While the main efforts of DRBC staff are centered around managing and protecting the shared interstate waters of the Delaware River Basin, they also care about helping out in our local communities. DRBC staff recently volunteered in a clean-up of the Delaware River shoreline near the Delair Boat Ramp in Pennsauken, N.J. The event was organized by Living Lands and Waters (LLW), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the health of U.S. inland waterways and watersheds through hands-on stewardship and education.

Despite the summer's heat and humidity, the DRBC team enjoyed working alongside staff from LLW, the Philadelphia Water Department, and the Adventure Aquarium on a great cause. Volunteers traveled by boat to access additional shoreline areas not easily accessible by foot. Unfortunately, there was no lack of "bounty," as multiple bags of trash and recyclables (glass and plastic bottles and cans) were collected and properly disposed of by the team. Besides being an eyesore, removing trash from in and around waterways is important, as it helps improve water quality and habitat. 

From August 20 - September 1, LLW worked with the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary to organize clean-ups of several tidal Delaware River locations. In addition to the Delair Boat Ramp, river clean-ups were also based out of Pa.'s Ridley Marina and Penn's Landing; a total of 18 different events were held during that two week period.

Participating DRBC staff fully embraced the experience and enjoyed meeting like-minded volunteers who didn't care about getting their hands and feet dirty to help clean the Delaware River. Most importantly, DRBC reminds us all to dispose of all trash and recycling properly so we can keep our rivers and streams clean.