Volunteers needed to help clean river in Morristown, March 22

Volunteers prowl for debris in Whippany River during cleanup in Morristown. Photo by Scott Schlosser
Volunteers prowl for debris in Whippany River during 2013 cleanup in Morristown. Photo by Scott Schlosser
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This article was submitted by the Whippany River Watershed Action Committee.

The Whippany River Watershed Action Committee (WRWAC) has scheduled a clean-up of the Whippany River on Saturday, March 22, 2014, from 9 am to Noon. Anyone interested in volunteering their time and efforts should come to the Bethel AME Church located on Spring Street in Morristown.

Volunteers remove old bike from Whippany River in Morristown during 2012 cleanup. Photo by Berit Ollestad
Volunteers remove old bike from Whippany River in Morristown during 2012 cleanup. Photo by Berit Ollestad

The Whippany River, which flows through Morristown, has been severely impacted from the major flooding that occurred from hurricanes and storms during the past few years.

Last year over 2,500 pounds of garbage and debris were removed from this part of the river.

“This is the third year in a row we have cleaned up this part of the river with the help of countless volunteers,” says Bethel AME Church Pastor Sidney Williams Jr.

“The section of the river that runs adjacent to our property are again littered with trash and debris which are not only an eyesore but an impediment.”

The cleanup is open to anyone who wants to participate. Garbage bags, gloves, hip waders, and safety vests will be provided by the WRWAC. The Town of Morristown has volunteered to pick-up and dispose of all garbage and debris collected.

“The WRWAC’s mission is to preserve, protect and maintain the land and water of the Whippany River Watershed,” states WRWAC Facilitator Art Vespignani. “Every year we identify several locations in our watershed in need of a clean-up.”

The Whippany River Watershed Action Committee is a non-profit, grassroots organization based in Morris County, comprised of members representing 13 municipal governments, the Board of Chosen Freeholders, and other stakeholders.

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