Volunteers across the Upper Delaware River Valley are spreading out along roadways, riverbanks and public spaces this month as part of the sixth annual Litter Sweep, organized by the Upper Delaware Council (UDC).
The cleanup, held throughout April to coincide with Earth Month, has expanded in recent years to give participants more flexibility in scheduling local efforts. Organizers say that approach is helping boost participation, with hundreds of volunteers expected to take part again this year.
“We decided a couple years ago to extend it for the entire month, so that people would have a lot of flexibility in their planning of cleanups,” said Laurie Ramie, UDC’s Executive Director.
Several cleanups have already taken place, with a surge of activity planned around the days leading up to Earth Day. This weekend alone includes five organized efforts on both sides of the Delaware River.
On Saturday, volunteers are scheduled to gather in the towns of Highland and Lumberland — typically among the largest turnouts — as well as in the town of Delaware and in Fremont, where the Roscoe Family Outdoor Club is leading a cleanup. Additional events are set for Sunday in Damascus and Westfall townships in Pennsylvania.
A full calendar of events, along with contact information for local coordinators, is posted on the council’s website.
The effort will culminate in a larger Earth Day-themed event April 25 in Callicoon, centered at the historic Callicoon Depot. The 1896 train station, once part of the Erie Railroad, has been repurposed as a visitor center for the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway and a community gathering space.
The daylong event, scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., will feature environmental programming, performances by Farm Arts Collective and guided nature walks led by Laura Silverman of the Outside Institute. A local litter cleanup is also planned from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with organizers providing gloves, bags and tools for volunteers.
Organizers say the event is designed to appeal broadly to residents interested in sustainability and environmental stewardship.
The Litter Sweep remains entirely volunteer-driven and is supported by outside funding. Sullivan County Legislature Chairperson Nadia Rajsz has pledged $2,000 from discretionary funds, with additional $500 contributions from the Delaware River Basin Commission and the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway Committee, along with individual donations. Any unused funds will be carried forward to support next year’s cleanup. Radio Catskill is the media sponsor of The Litter Sweep.
This year also includes a new online resource page offering guidance on recycling, proper waste disposal and the legal consequences of illegal dumping, part of a broader push to prevent litter before it reaches waterways and landscapes.
Image: Volunteer Rosie Starr (left) and UDC Executive Director Laurie Ramie. (Tim Bruno)