Stream Clean-Ups
To protect clean water and healthy habitats it takes the combined efforts of citizens, volunteers, neighbors, and families working side-by-side to make a difference. The Watershed Association works with residents, local groups and municipal, county and state leaders on a wide variety of initiatives and actions to plan smart, grow community and preserve and protect our natural resources.
Since 2007, the Watershed Association has teamed up with volunteers throughout our watershed to pick up trash and debris near area lakes, rivers and streams. Each year hundreds of volunteers help us haul thousands of pounds of litter, recyclables and trash – everything from bleach bottles and oil cans, to tires and shopping carts – out of our waterways and nearby areas. Why? People pollution is one of the biggest contributors to water pollution in our region. When it rains, stormwater carries with it all our waste – excess fertilizers, pet and animal waste, trash and more – to our lakes, rivers and out to the ocean harming aquatic life and polluting our water.
Together we can stem the tide of water pollution. By taking individual action to recycle, dispose of trash properly, and live River-Friendly we can help keep our water and environment clean and healthy.2013 – 7th Annual Stream Clean-Ups
| Municipality | Date | Location | # of Volunteers | Trash Removed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cranbury Township | Sat. 4/13 1 PM – 3 PM |
Village Park, 38 Maplewood Ave. | 48 | 644 lbs. | |
| East Windsor Township | Sat. 4/13 9 AM – 11 AM |
Etra Lake Park, Disbrow Hill Rd. | 62 | 522 lbs. | |
| Franklin/Hillsborough Townships | Sat. 4/20 9 AM – 11 AM |
D&R Canal House, Blackwells Mills | 45 | 809 lbs. | |
| Hightstown Borough | Sat. 4/20 9 AM – 11 AM |
Peddie Lake parking lot, N. Main St. | 13 | 531 lbs. | |
| Hopewell Township | Sat. 4/13 9 AM – 11 AM |
Shop Rite parking lot, 2555 Pennington Rd. | 37 | 1,679 lbs. | |
| Lawrence Township | Sat. 4/20 9 AM – 11 AM |
Colonial Lake Park, Lake Ct. and Brunswick Ave. | 52 | 357 lbs. | |
| Millstone Township | Sat. 4/13 9 AM – 11 AM |
Court Building, 215 Millstone Rd. | 50 | 2,771 lbs. | |
| Monroe Township | Sat. 4/20 1 PM – 3 PM |
Applegarth Fire Station, 130 Applegarth Rd. | 98 | 255 lbs. | |
| Plainsboro Township | Sat. 4/20 9 AM – 11 AM |
Plainsboro Township Municipal Bldg., 641 Plainsboro Rd. | App. 150 | App. 750 lbs. | |
| Princeton/West Windsor Township | Sun. 4/21 9 AM – 11 AM |
Port Mercer Canal House, Quaker Rd. and Quakerbridge Rd. | 61 | 2,191 lbs. | |
| TOTALS | 616 | 10,509 lbs. |
Bloomberg, New Jersey Clean Communities,
American Rivers, and Aztec Graphics

Volunteer Q&A: Jess Penetar
1. Why did you sign up for our Stream Cleanup? I volunteered at Plainsboro’s Waters Edge Park last year. I came out because I have fond memories of doing river clean ups from when I was a girl scout. … I also spend a lot of time outside, hiking, biking, camping, walking etc., and the last thing I want to see is trash. Not only is it an eyesore, but trash can harm animals and plants. Read more!
