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. Eight DRBC staff recently volunteered to help clean up Philadelphia's Bartrams Garden, a National Historic Landmark along the Schuylkill River, the Delaware's largest tributary.

In total, over 130 volunteers worked to remove trash, recycling, and other debris from the walkways around the garden's property, as well as from the wetland and shoreline areas along the Schuylkill River. Besides being an eyesore, removing trash from in and around waterways is important, as it helps improve water quality and habitat.

The day was cool, damp, and dreary, but spirits were high and bright as we removed approximately 1,268 pounds of trash, debris, and recycling! DRBC staff enjoyed partnering with other like-minded individuals who do not mind getting their hands and feet dirty to help leave Bartrams Garden cleaner than they found it. 

The cleanup event was organized by United By Blue, Bartrams Garden Association, and the Philadelphia Water Department and was a stark reminder of the importance of disposing of all trash and recycling properly so we can keep our communities, parks, rivers, and shorelines clean.