To the Editor:

The Princeton Environmental Commission (PEC) would like to express sincere appreciation to our partners, volunteers, and participants for their involvement in Princeton’s Annual Stream Cleanup and Community Science Day!

There were 100 volunteers who rolled up their sleeves and reached into the muck to support the cleanup, which was held at Hilltop Park on Earth Day, Saturday, April 22. The stream cleanup was in partnership with the Watershed Institute and organized by Olivia Spildooren, river-friendly coordinator, Watershed Institute.

An estimated 780 lbs. of trash (722 lbs.) and recyclables (58 lbs.) were collected for proper disposal. Interestingly with New Jersey’s Plastic Pollution Reduction legislation in effect, the Princeton community is witnessing significantly less plastic bags in the cleanup mix. The cleanup would not have been complete without the Public Works Department, which is directed by Dan Van Mater, who ensured a neat and tidy cleanup after the volunteers’ efforts were exhausted.

Councilwoman Eve Niedergang was wearing two hats in support of the cleanup as she was checking-in volunteers as a Watershed Institute employee with Anne Soos, PEC vice chair. The Watershed Institute Executive Director Jim Waltman and Chief of Operations Sophie Glovier, also a former chair of PEC, were also in attendance.

And although Sunday, April 23 was mystically wet, PEC Commissioners Inga Reich and Zenon Tech-Czarny organized a well thought-out Community Science Day with our Friends of Roger’s Refuge and Princeton Public Library partners. While waiting for participants to weather the storm, Winifred Spar, friend of Roger’s Refuge, pointed out goldfinches, a blue-winged warbler, and a red-bellied woodpecker as well as a few other of our winged friends. Keep your eyes open for our next Community Science Day so you don’t miss the opportunity to explore the fauna and flora.

The Princeton Environmental Commission is always delighted to witness extensive community involvement when it comes to the exploration and care of our local environment — and for Mother Earth as a whole. Again, sincere appreciation to our partners, volunteers, and participants.

Tammy L. Sands
Chair, Princeton Environmental Commission
Winant Road