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Murrells Inlet Locals Gather to Beautify Marsh for 32nd Annual Spring Tide Cleanup

MURRELLS INLET, S.C.— As the residents of Murrells Inlet move towards living every day like it’s Earth Day, the 32nd annual Spring Tide Cleanup saw the beautification of their beloved natural inshore creek.

Community Effort For A Cleaner Environment

The coastlines of the inlet bustled with activity as locals of all ages gathered last Saturday to lend their hands in removing unseemly litter and debris that dotted the idyllic landscape of the Marsh Walk. The effort marked a dedicated attempt by the community to provide a much-needed facelift to the breathtaking inlet ahead of the spring season.

Reminiscing Spring Tide Cleanups

Chip Smith, the mind behind the inaugural cleanup effort in 1992 following the ravages of Hurricane Hugo, was on site, tirelessly co-ordinating the event. Smith warmly recalled how the community rallied together, with 600 locals stepping up to clear the litter-clogged creek back in 1992. Expressing his hopes and dreams for the event, Smith stated, “My great wish is that, and I’ll never know this, but long after I’m gone, I hope that spring tide will continue.”

Marsh Pride and the Fight against Urbanisation

Smith expressed immense pride in the Murrells Inlet Marsh’s beauty, highlighting its unique position of being surrounded by urban developments. He underscored the importance of preserving the site, which is one of the few remaining open marshes that permit shellfishing between Georgetown and North Carolina. “To truly uphold our pride as the seafood capital of South Carolina, it’s important that we maintain a healthy marsh,” explained Smith.

However, with ongoing growth and rampant development, the ecological integrity of the marsh is under serious threat. According to Smith, everything developed inland has an effect on the marsh, with rainwater draining various chemicals from machinery and building materials into the estuary.

Preserving the Marsh: A Shared Responsibility

Declaring the fight to protect the marsh a shared responsibility of both the public and the government, Smith encouraged everyone to act locally to preserve valuable places such as the Murrells Inlet Marsh. “What we need to do is act locally for places that we value. Figure out what needs to be done and get everyone involved, not just us declining baby boomers, everyone get out there for that place,” urged Smith.

The event served not only to shine a light on the myriad environmental issues facing the marsh but also as a quintessential example of community spirit. The cleanup was followed by an engaging chowder cookoff, heartwarming BBQ, and foot-tapping live music, marking an accumulated synergy of food, fun, and community service.