The inaugural Trenton Community Day and Watershed Cleanup on Saturday, May 21 attracted about 70 people — despite the 100-degree plus weather — where participants removed trash near the Assunpink Creek and learned about the vital role this waterway plays in the community.
This event at George Page Park/Hetzel Field was planned in partnership with Artworks Trenton, City of Trenton, Clean Water Action, Delaware Riverkeeper Network, East Trenton Collaborative, Isles Inc., New Jersey Future, The Watershed Institute, Trenton United Family Foundation, and Urban Promise-Trenton.
The Trenton community event aimed to bring awareness and education about Assunpink Creek. More than 200 pounds of trash was collected in a morning activity along the banks of the Assunpink in George Page Park. People learned about the water quality and health of the Assunpink, what actions are underway to protect this waterway, and what locals can do to advocate for remediation of the harmful impacts wrought by the region’s industrial history.
Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora joined the event, visited the various tables, and toured the stormwater system flowing from street drains and through George Page Park. He expressed concern about a damaged outfall pipe that discharges polluted stormwater runoff into the Assunpink from the park and nearby streets.
There were also many informational and activity tables offering family fun. These were hosted by Isles, Better Community Housing of Trenton, Delaware Riverkeeper Network, New Jersey Future, Lead-Free NJ, Trenton Health Team, and Passage Theatre Company.
At the Watershed’s table, locals were asked what future actions would be welcomed to help clean up the Assunpink, other suggestions for volunteer opportunities, and to share their experiences about local water bodies. Some participants asked the Watershed to host more educational events about water quality and macroinvertebrates.
Isle’s T-Recs truck, which had a T-Rex dinosaur on it, arrived and staff set up lawn games for children and others to enjoy. Local Trenton musicians, Show Tyme (R&B) and Devoura Wise (gospel) added live music to the festivities.
The Watershed and its community partners look forward to future years of this event.
