Locals will kick off the three-month Schuylkill Scrub by cleaning up Norristown’s Stony Creek in Montgomery County on March 25, from 8 a.m. to noon. Volunteers are needed.

The Schuylkill Action Network leads the Schuylkill Scrub to connect people with river cleanups and foster new ones. Events span the Schuylkill River Valley from March 1 to May 31.

“This will be the Stony Creek Anglers’ 31st annual cleanup,” said Mike Sherman, the club’s nursery manager. “All are welcome to come out for a great day of improving our community. We’ll also be stocking the creek with trout.”

Virginia Vassalotti of the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary has helped to expand the Schuylkill Scrub since 2015. One way she has done this is by partnering with environmental groups. These range from the Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy in Schwenksville to Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful.

“Anyone who leads a cleanup can take advantage of free trash bags, gloves, and vests,” said Vassalotti. “Also, free or discounted trash disposal is available during Pick It Up PA Days, or April 18 to May 8.”

Visit the Schuylkill Scrub website to join or create a river cleanup. The public can also use this website to suggest places that need to be cleaned up.

Approximately 2 million people get their drinking water from the Schuylkill River, its creeks, and streams. Its waters are home to over 40 species of fish, many of them popular with anglers. And it is renowned for rowing, including the largest collegiate and high school regattas in America.

The Schuylkill Action Network protects and restores Schuylkill waters through partnerships. It does this by collaborating with organizations, businesses, and governments. To join, please contact Virginia Vassalotti. She can be reached at the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary by calling (800) 445-4935, extension 121.

Sign up now for the 2017 Great American Cleanup of PA and set up your own cleanup and beautification event through May 31.

NewsClips:

Great American Cleanup Of PA Underway

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Erie’s Spring Cleanup Program Starts April 2

[Posted: March 13, 2017]

3/20/2017