Communities along the Upper Delaware River are gearing up for the sixth annual Upper Delaware Litter Sweep this April. Organized by the Upper Delaware Council, this popular community cleanup event brings together volunteers, local leaders, and sponsors to remove trash, protect the environment, and celebrate Earth Month.
This year’s sweep also marks America’s 250th anniversary, with the theme: “Keeping Our Country Beautiful.”
How the Upper Delaware Litter Sweep Works
The Litter Sweep relies on dedicated volunteers known as litter leaders, who coordinate cleanup efforts in towns and townships from Hancock to Matamoras. These leaders organize dates, recruit volunteers, and identify areas most in need of cleanup.
Stephanie Driscoll of the Upper Delaware Council says,
“We’re always looking for new litter leaders. Each leader gets to bring friends, family, and neighbors together to help preserve the beauty of our region.”
Leaders receive support from the council, including garbage bags, gloves, trash pickers, and a commemorative T-shirt. This year’s design, by Honesdale artist Jeff George, features a heron carrying a trash can with the tagline “America’s 250” on a bright, safety-yellow T-shirt.
Volunteer Opportunities & How to Sign Up
Anyone in the Upper Delaware corridor can get involved. Volunteers can:
- Lead a cleanup as a litter leader
- Join an existing event in their town
- Donate to support supplies, T-shirts, and logistics
To get involved:
- Email Stephanie Driscoll at stephanie@upperdelawarecouncil.org
- Call 845-252-3022
- Visit www.upperdelawarecouncil.org
Cleanups can be scheduled on any day in April, giving volunteers flexibility to participate on a weekday or weekend.
The Impact of Past Litter Sweeps
Over the past five years, the Upper Delaware Litter Sweep has removed truckloads of trash, including fast-food wrappers, discarded furniture, and even mattresses.
Stephanie Driscoll adds,
“While it’s sad to see the amount of litter, it’s inspiring to see our communities come together. We hope one day the Litter Sweep won’t be necessary—but until then, we’ll be there, picking up what others leave behind.”
Radio Catskill is the media partner for the Upper Delaware Litter Sweep.
Image: Sullivan West High School National Honor Society members, along with other students and community members, cleaned up the Callicoon Creek Park during the 2nd Annual Upper Delaware Litter Sweep in 2022. (Upper Delaware Council)