By Maria Prato-Gaines, Staff Writer
CRANBURY — For the third year in a row, volunteers will be scouring the local waterways in search of pollutants that could be endangering wildlife as well as drinking water supplies.
Cranbury Township and the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association are inviting the public to come out for their annual stream cleanup April 25.
”This is really one of the most concrete ways people can go out and help the environment,” said Jim Waltman, SBMWA executive director. “This isn’t writing a letter; this is isn’t sending a check; this is actually getting out there, rolling up your sleeves and helping your community.”
Last year, 33 volunteers came out to sift through Cranbury Brook and Brainerd Lake, taking with them anything from tires to bed frames to cigarette butts to recyclables, said Gwen McNamara, communications manager for the watershed.
But Cranbury’s efforts are part of a much bigger picture, Ms. McNamara said.
Between Cranbury’s helping hands and 206 other volunteers, the organization managed to haul away more than 260 bags, or five tons of trash, from the waterways in 10 towns across central New Jersey as a part of Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association’s 2008 watershed-wide stream cleanup, she said.
Saturday’s cleanup efforts will run from 9 a.m. to noon with volunteers meeting at Village Park near Brainerd Lake during this rain-or-shine event.
Volunteers are encouraged to wear boots and long sleeves and bring a water bottle and work gloves.
Adults must accompany participating children. T-shirts and refreshments are provided.
For more information, contact Rick Anthes at [email protected].
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