The Reedy River flows through Downtown Greenville and is inextricably linked to the city’s success.  On September 9, the Mast Store in Greenville is hosting volunteers from the Friends of the Reedy River and will donate 10% of the day’s sales to help this group’s continuing efforts to improve the river’s condition.

"The Falls Park in Greenville is truly a showcase. Its centerpiece would not be as enjoyable were it not for a collaboration of non-profit organizations, including the Friends of the Reedy River."- Lisa Cooper

The Reedy River has figured prominently in Greenville’s history. From helping grind meal at Richard Pearis’ gristmill in the late 1700s to powering sawmills and textile operations in the 19^th and 20^th centuries, the Reedy has been at the center of it all. Unfortunately, it led to pollution and other abuses that caused the Falls to dwindle to a mere trickle and the water to be a different color most every day of the week.

Today, the river is on the mend, thanks to the efforts of the Friends of the Reedy River. This group, in existence since 1993, has partnered with many other environmental organizations in the local, regional, and state areas to be a voice for the river.

FORR helps organize river clean-ups in both small and large areas. Their most recent public clean-up covered 8.3 miles of the river and netted 175 tires and 130 bags of trash. The group also protects the banks of the river through the Reedy River Riparian Restoration Project. In this 200-yard area, invasive plant species will be removed from the riverside and replaced with indigenous native trees, plants, and flowering perennials. The project enhances protection of the river by improving water quality and quantity while providing natural habitat for regional birds, animals, and insects.

“The Falls Park in Greenville is truly a showcase,” said Lisa Cooper, president of Mast General Store. “Its centerpiece would not be as enjoyable were it not for a collaboration of non-profit organizations, including the Friends of the Reedy River. Their tireless dedication to this waterway is not unnoticed.”

The Mast Store in Greenville will host volunteers from FORR on September 9. At the end of the day, a donation of 10% of the day’s sales will be made to the Friends of the Reedy River. To find out how you can become more involved, visit the FORR website at www.FriendsoftheReedyRiver.org.