Garages and attics aren’t the only things that need spring cleaning. Rivers do, too.
The nonprofit Whippany River Watershed Action Committee seeks volunteers to spruce up the river near the Bethel AME Church in Morristown, from 9 am to noon on Saturday, March 23, 2013.
Last year, more than 100 volunteers removed more than half a ton of trash, filling 82 bags. Debris included 20 bicycles, two chairs, a computer keyboard and circuit board, three car batteries, a box spring, three tires, two small appliances, a shopping cart, a “No Parking” sign, a crutch and 300 pounds of metal.
Debris removal is a preventive measure against the kind of flooding that devastated the church and sections of the Second Ward after Tropical Storm Irene in 2011.
“A section of the river that runs through our property was cleaned-up and is now again littered with fallen trees and trash which are not only an eyesore but an impediment,” Pastor Sidney Williams Jr. said in a statement.
A flood study last year by Princeton Hydro LLC recommended eliminating the Lake Pocahontas dam, upstream from the church, to transform the lake into a stream and wetlands area to absorb storm water runoff.
Acknowledging the political unlikelihood of altering the landscape in such a profound manner, the study authors proposed shoring up the eroding river banks near the Bethel AME Church through a combination of bioengineering means (planting vegetation) and structural supports.
The study team cited the big turnout at last year’s cleanup as an encouraging sign. If flooding in the neighborhood can be tamed, Pastor Williams is hopeful that affordable housing can be built there.
Gloves, hip waders, safety vests and trash bags will be supplied to volunteers at Saturday’s cleanup. More details are below.
Photos of the 2012 cleanup by Berit Ollestad:
FROM 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 23, 2013 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.
The Whippany River, which flows thru Morristown, has been severely impacted from the major flooding that occurred from several hurricanes and storms during the past few years. Countless trees and vegetation were uprooted, river banks eroded and man-made debris littered throughout.
“We held a clean-up effort last March and had a tremendous turnout.” says Bethel AME Church Reverend Sidney Williams, Jr.
“A section of the river runs thru our property was cleaned-up and is now again littered with fallen trees and trash which are not only an eyesore but an impediment.”
The clean-up is open to anyone who wants to participate. Several local churches including Bethel AME Church, Morristown Presbyterian Church, and the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, as well as the Market Street Mission have already volunteered in the clean-up.
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. In the event of inclement weather the rain date is March 31, 2012.
“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 at least one location in our watershed in need of a clean-up.”
The Whippany River Watershed Action Committee is a nonprofit, grassroots organization based in Morris County, comprised of members representing thirteen municipal governments, the Board of Chosen Freeholders, and corporate members.
