DRBC and N.J. District 7 legislative volunteers pose for a photo in front of Palmyra Cove's peregrine falcon mural after a successful cleanup. Photo by DRBC.

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).

In addition to its tidal river shoreline, Palmyra Cove Nature Park features a freshwater tidal cove, wetlands, woodlands, and meadows and is popular for hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching. It also features the Institute for Earth Observations, an interactive STEM exhibit that allows for adults and kids alike to explore the Planet Earth.

This is the third time that commission staff have volunteered at Palmyra Cove. This year they were joined by legislative staffers David Smith and Carolyn Cover from Sen. Troy Singleton's office and Gina Sullivan and an intern from Asm. Herb Conaway, Jr.'s office, both of whom represent N.J. Legislative District 7, which is home to Palmyra Cove.

This year, staff focused on cleaning up the south end of the park, near the tidal cove and the confluence of the Pennsauken Creek and the Delaware River. Because the park is urban, 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 numerous bags of trash and recyclables (glass and plastic bottles and cans), as well as a couple of tires. Besides being an eyesore, removing trash from in and around waterways is important, as it helps improve water quality and habitat.

Participating DRBC and District 7 legislative 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.