On April 20 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in sites throughout Central Pennsylvania, ClearWater Conservancy will host its annual Watershed Cleanup Day as part of its 2013 Earth Day celebration.

Over the past 17 years, Watershed Cleanup Day volunteers have removed 2,836 tons (5.6 million pounds) of waste from local streams, roadways, sinkholes, and illegal dumpsites.

Through a partnership with Centre County Recycling & Refuse Authority and the generosity of local contractors, heavy equipment operators, businesses, municipalities, Centre Region Parks and Recreation and the MS4 partners, Watershed Cleanup Day continues to grow every year.

A pile of trash is not an attractive sight, but trash can do worse than spoil the natural beauty of our area.  Pollutants leaching from trash can enter drinking water.  Garbage can also cause injuries, harm wildlife, and its removal can use tax dollars that could be put to other uses. 

Removing trash from our watersheds not only makes it more beautiful, but keeps the surrounding community healthy. 

“This year, we hope to surpass our goal of 50 tons of trash,” said Nick Schipanski of ClearWater Conservancy. “Every year, this event provides a visible benefit for our communities.”

If you would like to volunteer for this year’s event, please contact Nick Schipanski, at 814-237-0400 or send an email to: nick@clearwaterconservancy.org.

3/11/2013