2024 Christina River Watershed Cleanup

Saturday April 13th starting at 8:00 AM

It is that time of year again to mark our calendars for the Christina River Watershed Cleanup! How does so much trash end up in the oceans? Much of it travels along the path of fresh water downhill and into the oceans by way of rivers.

The Christina River Watershed includes beautiful rolling hills, farms and forests, and large and small towns. But litter, dropped or dumped by anyone, can travel the Brandywine, White Clay, and Red Clay Creeks, and Christina River before continuing into the Delaware River. This watershed provides more than 75% of the water supply for residents and businesses in New Castle County, Delaware.

The Christina River Watershed Cleanup’s mission has always been the removal of man-made debris from within this beautiful watershed, while raising public awareness for pollution prevention. Since the Cleanup began in 1992, more than 360 tons of tires, appliances, household items, and other trash have been cleared from within the watershed.

There will be a DAR team that will meet early on April 13th at the historic Hale Byrnes House to pick up trash, bag it and move it to a pickup point nearby. Sadly, this area is known as a heavy trash site. We can use your help; bring your family including husbands, teenagers for community service hours, etc.

Here are the specific details you need to know! Our DAR team will meet at the Hale Byrnes House, 606 Stanton Christiana Rd, Newark, DE 19713, at 8:00 AM (because of the tides) to pick up trash until about 11:00 AM. It will be led by Sarah O’Donnell, State and Cooch’s Bridge Conservation Chair. This event is rain or shine so dress for the weather and wear boots. Trash bags, some tools and gloves will be available, but you may want to wear your favorite garden gloves. To join us, please let Sarah know before April 13th by providing your name, email and phone number to Sarah (sarahlareod@gmail.com). She will keep you informed.