Volunteers Needed For Raritan River Stream Cleanup On April 12

BEDMINSTER, NJ — Can volunteering for a single morning make a difference in the local environment? It sure can, especially when more than 1,400 volunteers join forces to remove litter along rivers and streams in the upper Raritan River watershed.

Raritan Headwaters Association (RHA), the region’s watershed watchdog, will hold its 35th annual Stream Cleanup from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 12.

"When you have over a thousand people pitching in, it’s amazing how much can be accomplished in just one morning," said RHA Executive Director Mara Tippett. "Those three hours make an immediate, positive impact on water quality and environmental health in communities across the watershed."

Last year, Tippett said, volunteers picked up nearly 15 tons of trash and recyclables at sites along rivers, streams, lakes, reservoirs, parks and preserves in Hunterdon, Somerset, and Morris counties.

This spring, RHA is launching its most ambitious cleanup effort yet, seeking volunteers to pick up trash at more than 70 sites. The event typically draws a wide range of volunteers, including individuals, families, scout troops, and groups from schools, churches, businesses, environmental commissions, and other civic organizations.

Online cleanup registration is now open at www.raritanheadwaters.org/streamcleanup. Groups larger than five people are asked to contact Rachel Garcia, RHA’s event coordinator, at streamcleanup@raritanheadwaters.org to reserve a site.

Cleanup sites are located throughout the upper Raritan River watershed, which covers 470 square miles in 38 municipalities within the three counties.

In addition to beautifying local stream corridors, the Stream Cleanup protects drinking water supplies for 1.8 million New Jerseyans and prevents litter from washing downstream to the Raritan Bay and Atlantic Ocean, where it can become a danger to marine life.

"All trash on land eventually makes its way into our waterways," noted Garcia.

The cleanup will be held rain or shine, and all volunteers will receive gloves and trash and recycling bags.

Volunteers are not required to step into waterways, as most litter is found along stream bank edges, access points, walking paths and parking areas. However, sturdy, water-resistant footwear is recommended, as cleanup sites may be muddy.

Participants will also be asked to fill out data forms to keep count of the amount and type of litter they pick up. RHA staff will compile the data for a final tally.

The most common items picked up by volunteers are plastics in various forms, including bottles, food wrappers, bottle tops and packaging. Many aluminum cans and glass bottles are also found, along with larger items like car and truck tires, sports equipment, and construction materials.

Picking up trash isn’t the only way the public can help. There are opportunities for local individuals and businesses to sponsor a stream site, which helps defray RHA’s costs.

To learn more, visit www.raritanheadwaters.org/streamcleanup or send an email to Kate Arnao at karnao@raritanheadwaters.org.