NEWS FROM THE DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL
April 4, 2008
Vol. 38, No. 133
For more information contact Andrea Stewart, Division of Fish and Wildlife, 302-836-2555, ext. 100 or Melanie Rapp, Public Affairs, 302-739-9902.
Christina River Cleanup Set for April 19 Seeks Volunteers
Providing more than 75 percent of the public water supply for residents and businesses in New Castle County, recreational opportunities and commerce, the Christina River is a vital natural resource that needs to be protected.
Volunteers are requested to join the 17th Annual Christina River Watershed Cleanup from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, April 19 along the banks of the Christina River and several of its tributaries, including White Clay Creek and Naamans Creek. Since first held in 1992, the annual cleanup has drawn more than 10,000 volunteers who have worked tirelessly collecting approximately 320 tons of trash and debris clogging and polluting our waterways.
“It’s so critical to reduce the amount of litter and debris in the Christina River Watershed,” said Shirley Posey, cleanup coordinator. “Each year we find tires, appliances, household items, and truckloads of recyclable materials – paper, plastics, and styrofoam – that are harmful to fish and other wildlife. We encourage communities, clubs, youth groups, and families to sign up to help make a difference in the health and cleanliness of the river.”
Volunteers can register to work at one of ten sites throughout the county. Participants should wear brightly-colored clothing, long sleeves and pants, boots or water-resistant shoes, hats, heavy duty gloves, insect repellent and sunscreen. Waders or hip boots would also be useful for the city of Wilmington and Churchmans Marsh - Christiana and Newport sites. Children 12 years of age and under must wear life jackets when on a boat. All volunteers will recieve a free t-shirt commemorating the 2008 cleanup featuring the design of artist Jessica Willis, a 12th grade student at Caravel Academy.
To register or for more information, including a list of locations with directions, visit www.ChristinaRiverCleanup.org or call 302-838-1897. People interested in volunteering should register online by Thursday, April 17, so supplies can be appropriately distributed to each site captain.
DNREC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife has been an integral part of the Christina River Cleanup since its inception. The division works with other sponsors to plan and orchestrate the event, also providing staff, boats, and equipment for the day. Cleaning up the Christina River within the city of Wilmington has taken on greater meaning since the division began marsh restoration work to create the Russell W. Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge.
The rain-or-shine cleanup is sponsored by more than fifty organizations and businesses in the state and surrounding areas. Primary sponsors include the Christina Conservancy, Inc., Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, Artesian Water Company, AstraZeneca, Conectiv Energy, New Castle County Council, Noramco, Inc., Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, Rohm and Haas, and United Water Delaware.
For more information on programs and services offered by the division, visit www.fw.delaware.gov or contact 302-739-9910.
