Celebrate Earth Day early with the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association at its fifth annual stream cleanups. This year the watershed are teaming up with 10 towns to keep waterways clean and healthy. The West Windsor cleanup is Sunday, April 10, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Turning Basin Park off Alexander Road. In 2010 42 volunteers picked up 221 pounds of trash and debris along the canal. Registration is requested by Leslie Brecknell at 609-737-3735, ext. 30.
“Our everyday decisions have a real impact on the health of our water and environment,” said Jim Waltman, executive director of the Watershed Association. “From the chemicals we use to treat our lawn, to the cup from the coffee shop that we toss aside — each year thousands of pounds of trash and pollutants are washed from our streets and yards into our lakes, rivers, and streams.”
Combining water quality, environmental policy, and land use analysis, the association reported details of the condition of our water today and how we all need to take steps to make a difference.
“Central Jersey’s water is in trouble,” said Brecknell, community advocacy coordinator for the Watershed Association. “Even the smallest action can make a big difference. Our annual stream cleanups are just one way we can all chip in to help keep our water clean and healthy.”
This year cleanups will also be held in Cranbury, East Windsor, Franklin, Hightstown, Hopewell, Millstone, Monroe, Princeton, and South Brunswick. Volunteers should wear boots and long sleeves, and bring a water bottle and work gloves. T-shirts and refreshment are provided. Visit www.thewatershed.org for more information, dates, and locations.
