While the main efforts of DRBC staff are focused on managing and protecting the shared interstate waters of the Delaware River Basin, they also care about helping out in our local communities. Last week, DRBC staff volunteered their time to clean up a portion of the Delaware River shoreline in Palmyra Cove Nature Park, a 250-acre park located at base of the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge (on the N.J. side).

While Palmyra Cove is not a unit of the National Park Service (NPS), this cleanup was held on the NPS’ 100th birthday. Staff felt that this was a fitting way to celebrate the NPS Centennial, helping beautify an urban park that includes tidal river shoreline. Palmyra Cove also features freshwater tidal cove, wetlands, woodlands, and meadows and is popular for hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching.

Despite the summer's heat and humidity, the DRBC team enjoyed working to clean up Palmyra Cove’s shoreline. Because the park is located just north of Philadelphia and Camden, copious amounts of trash float in with the tide. As such, there was no lack of "bounty," and the DRBC volunteers collected about 25 bags of trash and recyclables (glass and plastic bottles and cans). Besides being an eyesore, removing trash from in and around waterways is important, as it helps improve water quality and habitat.

Participating DRBC staff fully embraced the experience, not minding one bit getting their hands and feet dirty to help improve the Delaware River.

Most importantly, this effort was a stark reminder of the importance of disposing of all trash and recycling properly so we can keep our rivers, streams, and shorelines clean.