In 2010, more than 25 volunteers helped the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association pick up 743 pounds of trash near the Jacobs Creek Bridge in Hopewell.

Melody and Andrew Waguespack, of North Brunswick, helped pick up trash at Turning Basin Park in Princeton during the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association’s 2010 Stream Cleanup.

Hopewell Township Environmental Commission member James Gambino, Hopewell Township Committeewoman Kimberly Johnson and Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association Education Director Jeff Hoagland cleaned up trash near the Jacobs Creek Bridge in 2010.

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To demonstrate the power of community and local volunteers working together to defeat the growing threat of “people” pollution, the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association – central New Jersey’s first environmental group – will be holding its 5th Annual Stream Cleanups the weekends of April 2 & 3 and 9 & 10. Volunteers from 10 towns and four counties will be getting dirty to help keep our lakes, rivers and streams clean and healthy.

“Our everyday decisions have a real impact on the health of our water and environment,” said Jim Waltman, Watershed Association Executive Director. “From the chemicals we use to treat our lawn, to the cup from the coffee shop that we toss aside – each year thousands of pounds of trash and pollutants are washed from our streets and yards into our lakes, rivers and streams.”

This “people pollution” is having a negative impact on the health of aquatic life and the quality of local waterways throughout central New Jersey, according to the Watershed Association’s own “State of the Watershed Report.” Combining water quality, environmental policy and land use analysis, the report details the condition of our water today and how we all need to take steps to make a difference. (http://www.thewatershed.org/resource-center/reports-and-materials/)

“Central Jersey’s water is in trouble,” said Leslie Brecknell, Community Advocacy Coordinator for the Watershed Association. “Even the smallest action can make a big difference. Our Annual Stream Cleanups are just one way we can all chip in to help keep our water clean and healthy.”

In 2010, more than 329 volunteers hauled 8,993 pounds of trash from area waterways. Since its inception, the Stream Cleanups have removed more than 15 tons of trash from in and around local streams and rivers. This year, the Watershed Association is partnering with municipal and environmental leaders in 10 towns across Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth and Somerset counties. The cleanups will be happening in:

Cranbury Township
Saturday April 9, 9 a.m. to noon
The Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, members of the Cranbury Township Environmental Commission, Department of Public Works and volunteers will meet at Village Park on Maplewood Ave. to clean up near Brainerd Lake and other locations throughout the town. In 2010, 32 volunteers picked up 597 pounds of trash in the township.

East Windsor
Saturday April 2, 9 a.m. to noon
The Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, members of the East Windsor Environmental Commission, Department of Public Works, municipal leaders and volunteers will meet at Etra Lake Park on Disbrow Hill Road to clean up the park area. In 2010, 16 volunteers removed 262 pounds of trash from Anker Park on Hickory Corner Road.

Franklin Township
Saturday April 2, 9 a.m. to noon
The Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, members of the Franklin Township Environmental Commission, Department of Public Works and volunteers will meet at Sealy’s Brook at Rt. 527 near Landing Lane. In 2010, 22 volunteers collected 1,460 pounds of trash at the St. Peter & Paul Church.

Hightstown Borough
Sunday April 3, 1 to 3 p.m.
The Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, members of the Hightstown Environmental Commission, Department of Public Works and volunteers will meet at Tavern on the Lake restaurant, Main Street Hightstown. Participants will disperse from that site to clean up the area around Peddie Lake as part of a town-wide cleanup effort. In 2010, 35 volunteers picked up 1,296 pounds of trash in the borough.

Hopewell Township
Saturday April 9, 9 a.m. to noon
The Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, members of the Hopewell Township Environmental Commission, Department of Public Works and volunteers will meet at the spur of the former North Main Street, across from Knowles Street. Parking is available along the street. In 2010, 27 volunteers picked up 743 pounds of trash near the Jacobs Creek Bridge.

Millstone Township
Saturday April 2, 9 a.m. to noon
The Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, members of the Millstone Township Environmental Commission, Department of Public Works and volunteers will meet at the Millstone Township Municipal Building, 215 Millstone Road, near the United Presbyterian Church to clean up the Millstone River and other locations throughout the town. In 2010, 26 volunteers picked up 1,512 pounds of trash and debris throughout the township.

Monroe Township
Saturday April 9, 1 to 3 p.m.
The Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, members of the Monroe Township Environmental Commission, Department of Public Works and volunteers will meet at Applegarth Firehouse, 130 Applegarth Rd. In 2010, 28 volunteers collected 496 pounds of trash near the Millstone River.

The Princetons
Saturday April 9, 1 to 3 p.m.
The Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, the Joint Princeton Environmental Commission and volunteers will clean up along Lake Carnegie. Participants should meet at the large parking area along the lake off of Route 27 between Shady Brook Lane and Dodds Lane. In 2010, nine volunteers picked up 300 pounds of trash and debris from along the Delaware & Raritan Canal.

South Brunswick Township
Sunday April 10, 1 to 4 p.m.
The Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, and volunteers will meet at the Noor-UL-Iman School, 4214 U.S. 1 in Monmouth Junction to clean up the Heathcote Brook area. Park at the school, overflow parking in the Target parking lot.

West Windsor
Sunday April 10, 1 to 3 p.m.
The Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, West Windsor Township Environmental Commission, Department of Public Works and volunteers will meet at the Delaware & Raritan Canal at Turning Basin Park on Alexander Road to clean up the canal area. In 2010, 42 volunteers picked up 221 pounds of trash and debris along the canal.

To volunteer, contact Watershed Association Community Advocacy Coordinator Leslie Brecknell at (609) 737-3735 x30 or lbrecknell@thewatershed.org. Volunteers should wear boots and long sleeves, and bring a water bottle and work gloves if they have them. T-shirts are provided as well as in-kind refreshments from Whole Foods Market. To learn more visit: www.thewatershed.org.

Special thanks to our 2011 Stream Clean-up Sponsors: American Rivers, Aztec Graphics, Home Depot, McCaffrey’s Supermarket, NJ Clean Communities, Saul Ewing LLP, RomAsia Bank, Wegmans and Whole Foods Market.

About the Watershed Association
The Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, a not-for-profit organization, protects the 265-square-mile region drained by the Stony Brook and Millstone River – an area spanning 26 towns and five counties. Founded in 1949, the Watershed Association is central New Jersey’s first environmental group protecting clean water and the environment through conservation, advocacy, science and education.