Franklin Township Volunteers Clean Local Streams April 11

Since 2007, Franklin Township residents have gathered each spring to clean their local streams, and this year's event promises to be just as impactful.

The Franklin Township Environmental Commission is inviting volunteers of all ages to join the annual John Clyde Stream Clean-Up on Saturday, April 11, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event kicks off near Hamilton Street and Woodbridge Street in New Brunswick, with free parking available at Sts. Peter & Paul Byzantine Catholic Church.

This isn't just about picking up litter. Franklin Township sits within both the Lower Raritan and Millstone watersheds, which means every piece of trash removed from local streams prevents pollution from reaching major rivers downstream.

The commission partners with four environmental organizations each year, including the Lower Raritan Watershed Partnership and The Watershed Institute. Together, they've built a tradition that brings together students, businesses, community groups, and individual residents who want to make a visible difference.

The Ripple Effect

When volunteers pull debris from the John Clyde Stream, they're protecting more than just their backyard. The cleanup improves water quality for wildlife habitats throughout the region and supports biodiversity in connected waterways.

Each bag of trash removed means cleaner drinking water sources, healthier fish populations, and safer recreation areas for communities downstream. It's proof that local action creates regional impact.

The event provides all supplies, including gloves, garbage bags, and pickers. Volunteers just need to bring a reusable water bottle and wear closed-toe shoes, long sleeves, and long pants suitable for walking along stream banks.

Registration is required through the Lower Raritan Watershed Partnership website and includes a liability waiver. The actual cleanup begins at 9:30 a.m. from the Hamilton Street Bridge, where coordinators will meet participants and provide instructions.

Light refreshments and water will be available throughout the morning.

Organizers say volunteer support makes the event successful year after year, and they're encouraging everyone from Boys and Girls Clubs to local businesses to join. It's a hands-on way to celebrate Earth Month while creating real environmental change, one stream at a time.