Friends of Braden River plans for October river cleanup

The Old Braden River Historical Society is re-branding itself now that it’s no longer a 501(c)3, and its members have not lost their passion as caretakers of the Braden River and its history.

The organization, started in 2007, has two main goals: to keep the history of the Braden River and its community alive, and to preserve and restore the Braden River to its healthiest, more natural state. The organization lost its tax-exempt non-profit status last spring when it could not get four members to hold offices for the organization. There must be at least four to keep the status such as president, vice president, secretary and treasurer.

Now, without officers, the group is pushing forward with its goals as a community organization, calling it “Friends of the Braden River.” The group will continue its three yearly river clean-ups and other educational programs.

Its next river clean up is Saturday, Oct. 3, with registration starting at 8:30 a.m. at Jigg’s Landing. Anyone from the public who would like to help is welcome to attend, and participants will get a free t-shirt.

“We’re still doing it—we made the commitment,” said former president of the group, Denise Kleiner. “We’ve been spending 8 years cleaning up the river.”

The group is also working to replant bulrush and other native plants in the river. They planted 400 plants along the banks last year, but heavy rains in April washed away a majority of their work. They’re searching for expert help to instruct them on native plantings for the last 100 plants they have.

“We’re going to be very careful with the last plants,” Kleiner said.

Bulrush plants are the prime habitat for freshwater snails, which are a main food source for the limkpin, a native Florida bird that’s listed as a species of special concern because of habitat loss.