Volunteers are invited to join the Christina River Watershed Cleanup along the river and several of its tributaries on Saturday, April 12 from 8 a.m. until noon at 12 sites throughout northern New Castle County.
Due to other activities that day, the city of Newark will hold its cleanup from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m.
“Helping to beautify our waterways is the perfect way to spend a few hours on a Saturday morning,” said DNREC Secretary Collin O’Mara. “Clearing debris from the Christina watershed not only improves the landscape for residents and visitors to enjoy, it improves the health and water quality of the river and its tributaries, the primary sources of public water supply for New Castle County.”
The annual cleanup, now in its 23rd year, will be held rain or shine. Since the cleanup began in 1992, more than 330 tons of tires, appliances, household items, and plastic and styrofoam have been cleared from the Christina River, White Clay Creek and other tributaries. More than 12,000 volunteers have filled trash bags.
DNREC has been a sponsor and a key part of the Christina River Watershed Cleanup since its inception, providing funding and other support. Specifically, DNREC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife provides staff, boats, and specialized equipment to transport volunteers and discard trash. The cleanup of the river within the city of Wilmington benefits DNREC’s ongoing marsh restoration work at the Russell W. Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge.
For a list of cleanup sites with directions and to register, visit www.ChristinaRiverCleanup.org or call 302-838-1897.
