From Bethel AME Church and the Whippany River Watershed Action Committee
2023 Whippany River Clean-Up!
Bethel Church of Morristown and Whippany River Watershed Action Committee
Host 13th Annual River Clean-Up
The Whippany River Watershed Action Committee (WRWAC) is once again partnering with the Bethel Church of Morristown to host a river clean-up on Saturday, March 18, 2023, from 8:30 AM to noon. Rain Date is Saturday, March 25th.
Community members and friends are encouraged to volunteer their time and effort to this beneficial and fun event. Interested volunteers should meet in the parking lot of the Bethel Church at 59 Spring St., Morristown. The WRWAC will provide garbage bags and gloves, and the Town of Morristown has volunteered to pick up and dispose of all garbage and debris.
The Whippany River, like many other urban rivers, tends to be a magnet for garbage and debris. This is a particular concern during the Spring when melting snow, flooding, and major storms deposit trash and other debris in and along the river. In past years, 60 bags of garbage and debris weighing more than 3,000 pounds have been removed from this part of the river.
As the Rev. Dr. Sidney S. Williams Jr. has noted, “We are most appreciative of Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill’s commitment to this important issue. Our church relocated to this flood plain in 1874 and we have waited patiently for something to be done. In 2011, after Hurricane Irene, we made a renewed effort to have a flood water mitigation strategy implemented in partnership with the Whippany Watershed Commission. We believe this new study will open the doors for hard working residents in search of affordable housing. We pray that the town of Morristown keeps its commitment to building housing that our neighbors can afford.”
“The Whippany River Watershed Action Committee is dedicated to keeping the Whippany River and its tributaries clean so we can protect and restore it for current and future generations. Our river clean-up events not only help remove debris and garbage from the watershed, but also raise awareness about the need for healthy rivers and is a great opportunity for civic engagement,” said Siva Jonnada, current chair of the WRWAC.
The WRWAC is a 501(c)3 dedicated to preserving, protecting, and maintaining the land and water of the Whippany River Watershed. Visit the WRWAC’s website or Like it on Facebook to learn more about the 2023 Clean-Up and other exciting events.
