Stewardship

DRGP believes that everyone can make a difference in helping to protect the Delaware River. Stewardship involves individuals, businesses, and public and private agencies getting involved in cleanups along the river, building and maintaining trails, removing invasive plant species, or giving time to help with a variety of programs and administrative tasks. Stewardship can also involve DRGP’s role in educating the public about the significant resources of the river and the greenway corridor, in turn helping them to be better stewards of the river. Through the development of educational materials, presentations and forums, DRGP seeks to equip the public with the tools needed to be effective stewards of the Delaware River corridor.

Operation River Bright

Since 2004, DRGP has held Operation River Bright clean-up events each year, engaging volunteers from the American Canoe Association, local canoe clubs, youth groups, and private citizens. Each year, a different segment of the river or island is selected for a clean-up, depending on need. What makes this effort different is that it has been river-based, with volunteers canoeing or kayaking along the riverbanks to pick up trash that might not be accessible from land. Events are generally in June, depending on safe water level and weather conditions.

Invasive Species Control

In partnership with the Bordentown City and Township Environmental Commissions, DRGP conducted its first invasive species eradication project along Blacks Creek in 2006. The program included eradicating particularly abundant species such as purple loosestrife, and re-planting the project area with native plant species. DRGP plans to continue volunteer-based stewardship projects by conducting surveys of specific species such as Japanese Knotweed, establishing a site prioritization system, performing eradication, re-planting with native species where appropriate, and monitoring sites over several years.

Educational Forums

DRGP provides opportunities for public officials, non-profit organizations, youth, and the general public to learn about issues affecting the Delaware River and its greenway corridor. Our annual forum is directed at local officials and concentrates on relevant issues and problem solving. We also work with the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources on its Eco-leadership Youth Summit, a two to three-day course for middle and high school students with the goal of providing students with information about issues affecting the river, and opportunities for hands-on environmental enhancement and restoration projects.