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. Staff recently spent a day cleaning up a section of Miry Run, a tributary to the Delaware River, in Warwick Park, Hamilton Township, N.J. While some of Warwick Park is landscaped, the natural areas along Miry Run are not formally maintained. Due to its proximity to a commercial plaza and large residential neighborhood, trash and other debris frequently end up in this waterbody, which flows through wetlands and is home to various wildlife.     

Staff were assisted by DRBC-hosted Americorps N.J. Watershed Ambassador Jordan Foreman and also by coordinators with N.J. Clean Communities of Hamilton, who provided gloves, poison ivy repellant, litter grabbers, and trash bags and hauled all of the collected trash away. Staff were very appreciative of this support.

Removing trash from in and around local waterways is important, as it helps improve water quality and habitat. Items large and small were removed, including a tractor tire, lawn chairs, shopping cart, and, ironically, a "No Dumping" sign. Participating DRBC staff fully embraced the experience and enjoyed getting their hands and feet dirty to help clean Miry Run and, in turn, the Delaware River.