Enjoy (While Cleaning Up) the Great Outdoors

Burlington County is seeking volunteers to assist with two park cleanup events the next two weekends.

9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, April 27
Amico Island Park, Norman Avenue, Delran:

Volunteers will learn about watersheds and help inventory, and collect litter and debris along the shoreline of this 55-acre park. This event is part of the NJ Adopt-a-Beach Clean Water Challenge.

Event flyer: 
http://www.co.burlington.nj.us/upload/Clean_Communities/Images/2013April_Amico_IslandEvent.pdf

Park information: http://www.co.burlington.nj.us/upload/Parks/Images/Amico_Island_Park.pdf

8:30 a.m. to noon, Saturday, May 4
North Branch, Rancocas Creek: Birmingham to Smithville and Smithville to Mount Holly

This event is open only to experienced paddlers who have their own canoes or kayaks. Volunteers will paddle the scenic Rancocas Creek and remove litter and debris along the way. Registration is required for this event.

Event flyer: 
http://www.co.burlington.nj.us/upload/Clean_Communities/Images/2013_May_rancocas_creekEvent.pdf

Rancocas Creek Canoe Trail:
http://www.co.burlington.nj.us/pages/pages.aspx?cid=709

All volunteers are encouraged to bring drinking water and wear long pants, long sleeves, long socks and sturdy close-toed shoes that can get muddy. Bags and gloves will be provided. Participants younger than age 18 must be accompanied by an adult, and letters documenting volunteer community service will be available to students.

Severe weather will cancel the cleanups.

Registration for Amico Island is requested for planning, but volunteers may just show up.

Individuals interested in volunteering should contact the Clean Communities office at cleancomm@co.burlington.nj.us, or 609-499-1001, ext. 266 and provide your name, address and phone number.

Throughout the spring, groups are encouraged to schedule a cleanup of the shoreline at Amico Island Park during low tide, to clear the litter brought in daily by the tides. County park rangers will meet organized parties and provide safety information, gloves, bags and removal of collected debris.

During the first two park cleanups this year, sponsored through Burlington County Clean Communities, 96 volunteers collected over 5,000 pounds of litter and debris.

“Burlington County residents care about the county and our parks,” said Freeholder Director Joe Donnelly. “It is great to see so many people working together to keep our community green.”

For more information about these and other local cleanup opportunities, visit the Burlington County Clean Communities website at www.co.burlington.nj.us/cleancommunities; email cleancomm@co.burlington.nj.us; or call 609-499-1001, ext. 266.