Groups across greater watershed gear up for litter cleanup efforts: Tips, dates and an artsy challenge!

Twenty-four people helped pick up 50 bags of trash in the northwestern corner of our watershed earlier this spring via the Sinnemahoning Watershed Association's annual litter pickup event.

​A teacher who shares a passion for the environment with children who wants to help, Danielle Bronowicz, of Northumberland, admits that education is critical when it comes to litter cleanup work.

“If they are not exposed to the impacts of littering, they may remain unaware and adopt the same indifferent attitude that many adults have,” she said. 

That mentality is what drives her efforts to incorporate people of all ages into events under her nonprofit, the Susquehanna River Cleanup Project, which averages about 150 volunteers each spring for an Earth Day weekend trash pickup event in the greater Sunbury area – one of many such events across the greater watershed.

“We average, with tires, about 10,000 pounds of trash in a morning, and there are close to 100 tires retrieved from the river and local watersheds,” she said. 

For Dana Rockwell, who oversees a two-day cleanup each spring on the Starrucca Creek watershed in the upper North Branch of the Susquehanna River in Susquehanna County, every trash pickup is a vital boost for the immediate ecosystem with a long-ranging ripple effect.

"I consider the countless tributaries that feed the Susquehanna important to focus on in terms of cleanup efforts because everything moves downstream," he said. "If we don't clean our creeks first, improving conditions in the river is rather pointless. The Starrucca is the first major tributary of the river in PA and we're proud to make it our focus."

The Starrucca Creek cleanup dates back to 2012 and usually draws about 50 people over the two days from various Scout troops, church groups, familes and other volunteer sources.

"We've removed approximately 5,000 tires and usually fill, on average, one 30-cubic-yard Dumpster with about five tons of trash, annually," said Rockwell. "It's very rewarding to see the incredible change a small group can create in two days. Everyone that has helped has always enjoyed the work."

The Clearwater Conservancy has been hosting a Watershed Cleanup Day in Centre County since 1997 where volunteers have removed more than six million pounds of waste from local roads, streams, sinkholes and illegal dumpsites, according to conservancy communications director Katie Molinengo. 

Danielle Bronowicz, leader of the Susquehanna River Cleanup Project, gives directions to volunteers during a Scout trash pickup event at the Shikellamy State Park Marina last summer near Sunbury.

Enter our Recycle our River litter art competition! Between now and June 30, creatively recycle trash into art that reflects ecosystems that can be impacted by the litter you have collected. Learn more about this project and submit your artwork by clicking here.

“We usually have 400-600 volunteers help on this day,” she said. “Last year, we had 500 volunteers that cleared 8,246 pounds of trash across 53 sites.”

While the Clearwater Conservancy and Susquehanna River Cleanup Project have been able to develop a large volunteer base, that process has taken time and persistence. Many groups continue to evolve based on the resources at their disposal.

“The Sinnemahoning Watershed Association (previously called the Bucktail Watershed Association) has been organizing streamside/roadside cleanups for the last 15 or so years. We schedule the event each spring prior to the annual kayak/canoe race that takes place along the Driftwood Branch of Sinnemahoning Creek,” said Steve VanEerden. “It is a beautiful stretch of stream and the cleanup effort just makes it shine a bit brighter.”

Collectively, VanEerden and his team draw between 15-20 volunteers, partnering with Mountaineer Search and Rescue, and more recently the Cameron County Outdoor Youth Activities (CCOYA) to bring in younger members of the community. 

“The cleanup takes place along approximately 14 miles of PA120 between Emporium and Driftwood,” said VanEerden. “We collect about 40 bags of trash and PennDOT and the local townships make sure the collected bags are hauled away first thing on Monday morning after the cleanup.”

Litter continues to trend toward styrofoam and plastic bottles, according to Bronowicz.

“It’s so easy, unfortunately, to walk the shoreline and fill a bag with just these items alone,” she said. “And of course, we always find so many tires.”

Katie Caputo is helping organize a litter cleanup at the Robert Porter Alan Natural Area in South Williamsport with the Lycoming Audubon Society. Last year, when she participated at the site, she found "large PVC pipes, a plastic chair, other common trash items, clothing, towels and a diaper -- the diaper was unexpected! It is unfortunate that so much litter ends up in the river."

The first step in starting your own organized litter cleanup efforts, according to Molinengo, is to partner with municipalities and other community groups that could help get the word out and assist with trash pickup after the event.

“Promote the event by focusing on messaging about the importance of the health of the community, waterways and the environment. Invite all to participate in a great neighborly spring event helping your own community,” she said. “Organize groups in areas where trash may end up directly in waterways. Offer sites that are more safe for groups with children and people who may not feel as comfortable on the side of the road.”

Starting small is also key, and can be more rewarding for a group first getting started, Bronowicz suggested.
“For certain groups, cleaning up smaller locations in the community is a great way to get involved,” she said. “You see immediate results, you feel good about what you accomplished in that area and it can spark others to step up and tackle other corners of the neighborhood.”

Potential challenges can include funding. Rockwell's group on the Starrucca Creek this year is looking for creative ways to cover costs of a Dumpster.

"In past years, the Pennsylvania Environmental Council had had funds to assist with this, but none were available this year," said Rockwell. "We provide updates on our Facebook page. We do roadside cleanup too, so there's always something all volunteers can help with. We take food and monetary donations to help with our efforts."

Safety tips for trash pickup from Molinengo, Bronowicz, Rockewell, Caputo and VanEerden:

• Roadside litter can be dangerous; do not open coolers, jugs, bottles and other sealed containers.
• Wear gloves, appropriate clothing, and safety gear.
• Report any suspicious or dangerous items to police immediately.
• Make sure children are not left unattended near highways or water.
• Check up on your knowledge of items that may be dangerous here
• Warmer temperatures this time of year also mean more ticks in PA. The PA Department of Health offers information about Lyme Disease and tick prevention/removal.

Recommended attire:

• Long pants
• Long sleeves
• Sturdy footwear
• Water bottle

 
You may also want to bring a ...

• Hat
• Rain jacket
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellant
• Hand sanitizer
• Change of clothes 

Remember!

• If it looks like it could hurt, don’t pick it up.
• If it looks heavy, leave it be. 
• Don't pick up anything that is sharp or looks suspicious or dangerous.
• If you’re on or near a road, wear an orange vest or brightly colored clothing.
• Keep an eye on each other and especially on children.
• Most importantly, have fun!

Upcoming trash pickup opportunities ...

The following list of trash pickups across the greater Middle Susquehanna watershed is not exhaustive. We understand that we likely are missing events but would love to include as many as possible. If you are aware of some that are not included, please send updated info via email to [email protected]

April 13 (Saturday)

• 8:30 a.m. Lewisburg Dale’s Ridge Trail with Linn Conservancy for litter and invasive species removal.
• 9 a.m. Sunbury, Little Shamokin Creek Watershed creek cleanup at Long Environment Land.
• 9 a.m. Jersey Shore Pine Creek Valley Route 44 cleanup. More info here.
• 10 a.m. Sayre. Diahoga Trail pavilion.
• Susquehanna Greenway Partnership cleanup at Milton State Park

April 20 (Saturday)

• 8 a,m. Centre County Watershed Cleanup Day at various places across the county. 
• 9 a.m. South Williamsport at Robert Porter Allen Natural Area with Lycoming Audobon and natural area volunteers.
• 9 a.m. Williamsport hosted by Lycoming College between Faxon and Water Tower Square.
• 9 a.m. Sunbury, downtown Spring Cleanup on Market Street.
• 9:30 a.m. Newberry Community cleanup at West End Christian Community Center.
• 10 a.m. Earth Day Celebration and Expo at East Snyder park.

April 21 (Sunday) 

• 9 a.m.: Northumberland County, Sunbury Boat Launch. 12th annual Susquehanna River Cleanup Project event
• 10 a.m. Williamsport along Susquehanna River Walk and Timber Trail meeting Susquehanna Greenway Partnership staff at Water Tower Square trail access.
• Noon. Bloomsburg Community Creek Cleanup at Bloomsburg Rail Trail, 136 Irondale Road
• 1 p.m. Montgomery Park and Riverbank meeting at parking lot of park.
• 1 p.m. Lewisburg downtown at Hufnagle Park

April 22 (Monday)

• Lock Haven cleanup starting at 205 East Main Street.

April 26 (Friday)

• 11 a.m. Bloomsburg Market Street/Fort McClure Boulevard

April 27 (Saturday)

• 9 a.m. Earth Day Pick-Up Paddle hosted by Susquehanna Canoe & Kayak Rentals at 119 Krafty Road, Falls, PA

April 27-28 (Saturday/Sunday)

• Annual spring Starrucca Creek cleanup in Susquehanna County.  Meeting at the Stevens Point Railtrail parking area.