Dublin family spends Labor Day cleaning up Claytor Lake shoreline

PULASKI COUNTY, Va. (WDBJ) - John Cifuni and his family were among seven volunteers who spent Labor Day cleaning the shoreline at Claytor Lake State Park. 'The kids were off school today... I thought it would be great to give back to the community,' Cifuni said. Cifuni said he wanted the experience to teach his children a broader lesson. 'I'm trying to teach them that it's important to look out for nature and look out for each other. And it takes everyone to come together to get the big jobs done,' Cifuni said. The volunteers spent the morning scrubbing the shoreline, filling a large trash bag with debris by lunchtime. Hannah Wetzel, volunteer coordinator at Claytor Lake State Park, said the cleanups serve a purpose beyond appearance. 'We want to keep the trash away from wildlife eating it, or from our waterways and getting to the fish and other aquatic life,' Wetzel said. Cleanup efforts at the park continue throughout the year, including invasive plant removal and spotted lanternfly removal. Cifuni said he hopes others will take part in similar efforts. 'We hope other people take the time to realize that it takes everyone to get the big things and little things done,' Cifuni said.