Volunteers needed for river cleanup in Morristown, March 19

Volunteers pull debris from the Whippany River in Morristown. Photo by Berit Ollestad
Volunteers pull debris from the Whippany River in Morristown. Photo by Berit Ollestad
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Volunteers pull debris from the Whippany River in Morristown. Photo by Berit Ollestad
Volunteers pull debris from the Whippany River in Morristown in 2014. Photo by Berit Ollestad

Closets need spring cleaning, and so do rivers. Volunteers are needed on March 19, 2016, to spruce up the Whippany River in Morristown.

More than 3,500 pounds of trash were removed from this stretch of waterway last year. Here are details on how you can help:

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR 5TH ANNUAL WHIPPANY RIVER CLEAN-UP

Morristown, NJ—The Whippany River Watershed Action Committee (WRWAC) has scheduled a clean-up of the Whippany River on Saturday, March 19, 2016, from 8:30 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 through Morristown, has been severely impacted from the flooding that occurred from hurricanes and storms during the past few years. Last year, 59 trash bags weighing 3,540 lbs. of garbage and debris were removed from this part of the river.

“This is the fifth 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 is again littered with trash and debris which are not only an eyesore but an impediment. In addition, the huge mound of snow filled with trash that was formed from the snow removal this winter is compounding the problem.”

The clean-up 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 thirteen municipal governments, the Board of Chosen Freeholders, and other stakeholders.

Volunteers with debris removed from the Whippany River in Morristown. Photo by Scott Schlosser
Volunteers with debris removed from the Whippany River in Morristown in 2013. Photo by Scott Schlosser

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