Morris County Environment: Volunteers Needed for 6th Annual Whippany River Cleanup

Published on March 20, 2017

(JPG, 10KB) Previous Whippany River cleanup event

It's a ritual of spring: the Whippany River Watershed Action Committee for the sixth consecutive year is conducting a cleanup of the Whippany River, as it runs through the Morristown. And they need volunteers to do it.

The scheduled clean-up of the river is set for Saturday, April 1, from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon. Persons interested in joining the cleanup effort should just come down to the Bethel AME Church, at 59 Spring Street in Morristown before 8:30 a.m.

This is the sixth year in a row we have cleaned up this part of the river with the help of countless volunteers. says Bethel AME Church Rev. Sidney Williams, Jr. The section of the river that runs adjacent to our property is again littered with trash and debris which are not only an eyesore but an impediment to the river. In addition, the huge mound of snow filled with trash that was formed from the snow removal this winter is compounding the problem.

(, 0B) Freeholder Director Doug Cabana

"We thank Rev. Williams and the Whippany River Committee for their efforts to improve the environment in this section of Morris County,'' said Morris County Freeholder Director Doug Cabana. "Their commitment is just another example of the great pride people of Morris County take in the place they live. We congratulate them for their efforts.''

The Whippany River Watershed is an area of 69.3 square miles in Morris County. It contains all of the small streams and tributaries that drain into the 16-mile long Whippany River.

The section of the river that flows through Morristown has been severely impacted by the flooding due to hurricanes and major storms over the past few years, resulting in large deposits of debris. Last year, 60 trash bags weighing 3,000 pounds of garbage and debris were removed from this part of the river during the spring cleanup.

(JPG, 9KB) Look at a clean section of the Whippany River

Anyone who would like to volunteer for the April 1 cleanup effort is welcome. Trash bags, gloves, hip waders, and safety vests will be provided for volunteers. The Town of Morristown has volunteered to pick-up and dispose of all garbage and debris collected.

The Whippany River Watershed Action Committee's mission is to preserve, protect and maintain the land and water of the Whippany River Watershed. said Committee Facilitator Art Vespignani. Every year we identify several locations in our watershed in need of a clean-up.

The Whippany River Watershed Action Committee is a non-profit, grassroots organization based in Morris County, comprised of members representing thirteen municipal governments, the Morris County Board of Freeholders, and other stakeholders.

For more information, please email: lenprguy@optimum.net