— Official from the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Goyang Branch

A single cleanup session is rarely enough to achieve lasting environmental improvements along urban waterways. Invasive plants can quickly regrow, while seeds continue to spread downstream, making regular maintenance essential to long-term ecological restoration.

Recognising this challenge, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Goyang Branch has adopted a sustained, repeat-visit approach to caring for Changneungcheon Stream in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province. Guided by ecological management principles that emphasise repeated removal and follow-up monitoring, the branch is working to support the stream’s long-term environmental health.

On 3rd October 2026, volunteers from the Goyang Branch returned to the Dongsonggyo Bridge area along Changneungcheon Stream for their Make Nature Green environmental initiative.

Targeted Removal of Invasive Plants: Volunteers manually removed invasive species, including Sicyos angulatus (burcucumber) and Ambrosia trifida (giant ragweed), from riverbanks, walking paths, and tree trunks. The effort yielded approximately 1800 litres of collected plant waste.

Follow-Up to a Major Cleanup: The activity followed a large-scale cleanup on 19th September, when 80 volunteers used mowers and scythes to remove approximately 14,000 litres of invasive vegetation from the same area.

Complementing Municipal Efforts: Goyang City and local organisations had also mobilised 230 participants for a cleanup on 17th September. Recognising that invasive vines could quickly regrow, the Goyang Branch continued its work through additional visits to maintain the cleared areas.

The Goyang Branch’s work at Changneungcheon Stream reflects a multi-year commitment to local environmental conservation.

Expanding Environmental Initiatives: Last year, volunteers conducted water quality improvement activities using effective microorganism (EM) mud balls. This year, they expanded their efforts to include the removal of invasive plant species that threaten local ecosystems.

Working Alongside Long-Time Conservationists: Following the 3rd October cleanup, a local environmental advocate who has cared for Changneungcheon Stream for more than 30 years inspected the site. The advocate praised the thorough work and highlighted the importance of volunteer participation in supporting conservation efforts, particularly when municipal resources are limited.

For the Goyang Branch, the recent cleanup activities mark another step in an ongoing commitment rather than the completion of the project.

Ongoing Site Monitoring: Throughout October, volunteers plan to revisit cleared areas, monitor the regrowth of invasive plants, and extend removal efforts to neighbouring sections of Changneungcheon Stream.

Strengthening Community Partnerships: The branch also intends to deepen cooperation with long-time environmental stewards and local authorities to develop a consistent, community-led approach to river conservation.

Through regular maintenance, continued volunteer participation, and collaboration with local stakeholders, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Goyang Branch aims to help protect Changneungcheon Stream and promote a cleaner, healthier environment for the surrounding community.

Source: https://vo.la/nJ55sLa