WILMINGTON, DE — From the breathtaking banks of the Brandywine Hundred to the lush landscapes of southern Glasgow and Bear, citizens of New Castle County are once again being called upon to partake in a timeless tradition. The annual Christina River Watershed Cleanup, in its 32nd year, is welcoming volunteers who wish to take action for the health of their local environment. Registration is now open until Friday, April 5th, for the cleanup scheduled on Saturday, April 13th.
The cleanup, a significant event sponsored by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), will take place from 8 to 11 a.m. The effort is a combined endeavor, uniting DNREC with the Christina Conservancy and the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary. These organizations are aiming to clean up 12 sites across New Castle County as part of the broader Earth Month activities in Delaware.
Last year, the Christina River Watershed Cleanup saw over 750 volunteers remove an impressive 13 tons of trash, tires, and recyclables from a dozen sites. This year’s cleanup, however, not only aims to match the dedication of previous years but aspires to exceed them.
DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin hailed the event as a cornerstone of Delaware’s ongoing environmental initiatives, neatly aligning with Governor Carney’s Keep DE Litter Free campaign, which encourages residents and visitors to maintain clean and healthy waterways all year round.
Shirley Posey, the cleanup coordinator, spoke passionately about the long-standing commitment to enhancing the Christina River Watershed and its surrounding areas. She expressed hope that this year’s cleanup could match or even surpass their annual average of 15 tons of discarded items ranging from tires and appliances to household items and countless pieces of plastic.
In an effort to further involve the community, the cleanup organizers are calling upon volunteers to share their experiences on social media platforms. By tagging @ChristinaCleanup or @CRWCleanup and using the #ChristinaRiverCleanup, cleanup participants can enter a sweepstake for a chance to win a 2024 Delaware State Parks annual pass.
But with all the excitement, the organizers have reminded participants of the importance of safety. Volunteers are advised to know their limitations and dress appropriately for the weather while avoiding hazardous areas. They are also encouraged to always Recycle Right and avoid entering private property.
The annual Christina River Watershed Cleanup, at its core, is a celebration not just of Earth Month but of the broader commitment to sustaining Delaware’s beautiful landscapes. In this endeavor, every day should be a cleanup day. So, this April, join your friends and neighbors as they strive to keep Delaware litter-free, echoing the ethos of Governor’s Carney’s initiative.
Every piece of trash removed, every volunteer contributing, and every act of kindness towards the environment, pushes us closer to a cleaner, healthier Delaware. Embrace the call to action and be a part of the solution. For more information, visit ChristinaRiverCleanup.org or email ChristinaRiverCleanup@gmail.com.
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