GULFPORT, Miss - Mississippi Power is continuing its Renew Our Rivers Cleanup efforts as the focus returns this week to the Hancock County Marshland Preserve.

Last October’s cleanup of this area resulted in the removal of over 30 tons of debris. Volunteers estimate that at least 30 more tons of debris remain in this nature preserve. As a result, organizers have planned a two-day effort that will take place Friday, April 29 and Saturday, April 30.

"Although coordinated by Mississippi Power, Renew Our Rivers is very much a community program as the company partners with other local companies and organizations that collectively work together to preserve our natural resources," said Verdell Hawkins, company spokesman.

During the initial day of the event, volunteers, including a group from the Naval Construction Battalion Center in Gulfport, will remove heavy debris such as destroyed homes and large household appliances. During the following day, volunteers from the National Wildlife Federation’s Habitat Stewards will remove smaller debris and replant marsh grasses where needed.

The debris along the Hancock County Marshland Preserve is an unfortunate reminder of the lingering effects of hurricanes Katrina and Gustav. The need for restoration was presented to Mississippi Power by the Department of Marine Resources’ Coastal Preserve Program.

Mississippi Power’s Renew Our Rivers efforts have removed more than 172 tons of debris from Southeast Mississippi waterways and received the national Keep America Beautiful Award for three consecutive years in the categories of beautification and litter prevention education.

Mississippi Power, a Southern Company subsidiary, serves approximately 193,000 customers in 23 Southeast Mississippi counties.

 Editor's note: Mississippi Power invites reporters and photographers to accompany volunteers throughout the Renew Our Rivers cleanup event. To make necessary arrangements, please contact Verdell Hawkins at

228.865.5543 or 1.800.821.6383 or vhawkins@southernco.com. Cleanups begin each day at 8 a.m.