Volunteers Needed for Denville’s Spring Rockaway River Cleanup

Volunteers are needed more than ever for the annual Denville Rockaway River Cleanup, held Saturday, May 8, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The Township of Denville and Saint Clare’s Health are once again partnering in support of this annual event to remove litter and wood debris along the 3.5-mile stretch of the Rockaway River through Denville. The rain date for the event is Saturday, May 15, 2021.

Volunteers, civic groups, and organizations are asked to help in this cleanup effort after a year hiatus due to the pandemic. According to George Strother, Chairman, River & Streams Committee, “This initiative is important to the health of the river and streams of our community. We are proud to launch this effort to help not only beautify the waterways, but to ensure its viability for years to come.” Removal of litter and debris from the Rockaway River is a crucial effort in flood prevention.

Brian Finestein, Chief Executive Officer of Saint Clare’s Health stated, “As a member of the Denville community, Saint Clare’s Health is proud to partner with the River and Streams Committee on this project. Cleaning the Rockaway River is a crucial effort in flood prevention.” Saint Clare’s Denville Hospital is adjacent to the Rockaway River.

Volunteers require no experience. Participants under the age of 18 are welcome, but must be accompanied by an adult.

Registration, check-in, and site assignments for the cleanup begins at 9:00 a.m. at the lower parking lot near the emergency room entrance at Saint Clare’s Hospital located on 25 Pocono Road, Denville. Following CDC guidelines, volunteers must socially distance and wear a face covering.

Participants are strongly encouraged to wear long sleeves and pants, work gloves, sturdy boots or waders, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Those who own and can safely operate branch loppers and bow saws are invited to bring those as well.

For more information or to register online, please visit www.denvillenj.org and click on the calendar link for May 8 on the home page or visit www.facebook.com/townshipofdenville to link to the registration and follow event updates.