The VEC will be working on cleaning up the river, restoring the trails, mulching, pulling out invasive plants and installing bat and owl houses. Last year the VEC won an Open Space grant from the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions to preserve the trail adjacent to the river. The commission purchased a dozen native trees and plants, and organized several cleanup and trail maintenance events. With the help of more than 80 volunteers, the trees were planted and watered all summer long, the trails were cleaned up and extended and a significant amount of invasive plants were removed.
Volunteers of all ages are welcome to the new cleanup, but minors under 18 require a signed waiver, available the day of the cleanup, and children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
The VEC will provide garbage bags, recycling bins, gardening tools, wheelbarrows, snacks and latex gloves, but it’s a good idea to bring your own work gloves, if at all possible. Dress for outdoor work, long pants and work boots and waders are recommended. You can also help the VEC to make the clean-up as green as possible, by bringing their own reusable water bottle, sunscreen, a rake, a clean five-gallon bucket, and walking or carpooling to F.N. Brown.
Volunteers should use caution when handling trash, and avoid hazardous materials like needles, broken glass and aerosol cans. The event is organized by the Verona Environmental Commission, the VHS Environmental Club and the Environmental Club at Montclair State University.
Please check for updates the day before the event at www.facebook.com/veronaenvironmental
If you have any questions please contact the VEC at [email protected].
