The DRBC volunteers & their bounty. Photo by the 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.

DRBC staff recently volunteered an afternoon at Palmyra Cove Nature Park, an Our Shared Waters partner, helping clean up trash along its tidal Delaware River shoreline. This is the sixth time in recent years that Commission staff volunteered at Palmyra Cove.

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, mostly plastic, styrofoam and glass. Some bigger finds this year included a mattress, car parts and a dock box. 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 and shoreline at Palmyra Cove.

Palmyra Cove is 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 engage in hands-on learning for free!

DRBC staff poses for a photo along the Delaware River. Photo by the DRBC.	Staff started along the river's shoreline, picking up trash as it flows in with the tide. Photo by the DRBC.	Staff picks up trash along the far side of the beach. The large pipes are used for discharging water from dredged materials. Photo by the DRBC.	Staff gets in the treeline to pick up smaller pieces of trash that accumulate there, for example, candy wrappers, bottles and styrofoam pieces. Photo by the DRBC.
Staff found several old, rusty metal spikes during the cleanup. Here, staff holds an example. Photo by the DRBC.	Staff works along the upper shoreline to pick up trash. Photo by the DRBC.	Check out the garbage DRBC removed from the river's shoreline! Photo by the DRBC.	Our find of the day! A reminder to throw your trash away properly & also to pick up after your pets - all that waste makes its way into our waterways! Photo by the DRBC.