Many came to help with the two Hamilton-Trenton-Bordentown Marsh cleanups last month, some even by canoe or kayak. The March 11 cleanup was part of an AmeriCorps Watershed Ambassador program, and the March 24 event was co-sponsored by the New Jersey Sierra Club-Central Jersey group and Friends for the Marsh.

We collected what seemed to be a mountain of trash — nearly 100 bags full, but also a large number of tires, six grocery carts, half of a canoe, etc.

Cleanup participants included young and old, church and school groups, Girl Scouts, as well as members of the Sierra Club, Friends for the Marsh, and the Washington Crossing Audubon Society. On April 22, for Earth Day, there will be a joint workday at Crosswicks Creek by the Sierra Club’s Water Sentinels Program and the Bordentown Yacht Club.

Trash collection at the marsh is ongoing, as litter from unthinking people continually flows into waterways via storm drains. Since September 2011, four volunteers have filled more than 200 trash bags from where the storm drain behind Lalor School enters the marsh. Other trash, found especially on Duck Island, is the result of deliberate dumping by contractors and others who don’t make the effort to dispose of waste or unwanted possessions responsibly.

Local governments and state agencies help throughout the year; staff are amiable and responsive. These include Bordentown City, Hamilton Township, Mercer County Park Commission, NJ DOT, NJ DEP and D&R Canal State Park. Storm drain catchers recently installed by Hamilton Township have reduced trash input to the marsh in some areas, but they should be installed on every storm drain.

Removing plastics from our waterways, such as the Delaware River, Crosswicks Creek and Watson’s Creek, is important. Most plastics are not biodegradable and can affect aquatic food chains and wildlife. Other materials, such as from corroded paint cans, can reduce water quality. Such negative impacts should concern us all.

What can you do if you can’t come out? Reduce your use of plastics by “refusing, reusing and recycling.” Make sure that recyclables aren’t blown about on windy days. Educate the children about the importance of waterways and wetlands. Contact your representatives and ask for regulations that require plastics and polystyrene to be biodegradable, and that construction permits require understanding lawful waste disposal.

Mary Allessio Leck is emeritus professor of biology at Rider University and program coordinator for Friends for the Marsh (marsh-friends.org).

Photos by Mary Iuvone for the Times of Trenton

The following awards were announced at the opening reception, held on Saturday, February 4.

Best in Show (Adult):  Shadows by Byron Lum
Best in Show (Youth):  Autumn Tulips by Aaron Schankler
Best in Category – Natural Habitats:  As Above So Below by Ann Darlington
Best in Category – People Connecting with Nature:  Long Walk by Ann Darlington
Best in Category – Plants:  Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum) by Jacqui Bonavito
Best in Category – Wildlife:  Walk on Water by Jonathan Michalik

Honorable Mentions were awarded to the following works.

For Natural Habitats:  Peaceful by Alan Kesselhaut, Winter Reflections by Anne Zeman
For Plants:  Pickerelweed in Spring by Alice Grebanier
For Wildlife:  Camouflaged by Sara Lee Pindar
Committee’s Choice:  Magic of the Marsh by Elijah Sabree

Congratulations to these talented photographers.

Prizes were co-sponsored by Friends for the Marsh and the following organizations: Princeton Photography Club (Best in Show – Adult and People Connecting with Nature), New Jersey Sierra Club-Central Group (Best in Show – Youth and Habitats). 

The jurors were Sally K. Davidson, photographer, artist, historian, and educator; and Jenn Rogers, County Naturalist, Mercer County Park Commission.

Friends for the Marsh and the Voices for the Marsh 2012 Committee members would like to thank these organizations and individuals, the staff of the Mercer County Library, Lawrence Branch, and all who participated in this event.

The exhibit will be on display at this venue through February 28, during regular library hours (http://webserver.mcl.org/branches/lawrbr.html).  Don’t miss it!

Currently, the building is used for a limited number of Mercer County Parks programs and meetings by the Marsh partner group and Friends for the Marsh.  Following renovations, the nature center will offer educational and recreational programs that focus on the cultural and natural history of the Hamilton – Trenton – Bordentown Marsh.

Renovations are awaiting a letter of agreement with the NJ Commission on American Indian Affairs that defines the construction process as it relates to the cultural resources.  Archaeological oversight is to occur during construction to determine where the footings for the classroom expansion can be placed.  It is expected that the letter will be executed within the next few weeks.

Once the location of footings is known, the architects, SSP Architectural Group, Inc., can draw up final plans for the renovation and expansion, and the project can go out for bid. 

It is expected that the renovation will be completed by the end of 2012 with dedication during spring 2013.

Without dipping a toe in the water you will feel a powerful presence of place.

See the book: www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/2324626