On a wet fall morning on September 28th, the Hutchinson River Restoration Project (HRRP) joined forces with the NYC Parks Department and Park Rangers, launching an ambitious mission to clean up the Thomas Pell Wildlife Sanctuary. Thanks to the Park Rangers, who provided canoes for the day, the event became a canoe-based cleanup. Though the official start time was 9 a.m., the team was already hard at work by 7:30 a.m., undeterred by the gloomy skies.
What began as a rain-soaked day turned into an inspiring testament to community resilience. Despite the drizzling weather, volunteers arrived—some ready to paddle upstream toward Goose Island, others prepared to clean the launch site along the shore. Boats pushed off from the shoreline, making their way upriver into the sanctuary, while those on land scoured the waterfront for litter.
Besides the usual suspects—plastic bags, cups, glass bottles—the crew pulled some surprising items from the river: a discarded electric scooter and even an old car tire with the rim. Neither rain nor mud stopped the group's determination. People came out, driven by a simple love for the Hutchinson River and a shared commitment to making a difference. By 1 p.m., the cleanup was complete. Staff and volunteers headed home, their work evident along the river as 600 lbs of trash had been collected.
NY State Senator Nathalia Fernandez visited the site to lend her support. Her presence highlighted the importance of this work, not just as an isolated event but as part of a greater movement to care for our shared environment. We are grateful for her participation and everyone who contributed to making this cleanup a reality.
This event was more than just removing trash from the water. It was a reminder that true change is powered by collective action. It showed that even on ordinary days, the love for our community and nature shines through.
Whether by canoe or from the shoreline, each person there played a part in preserving the beauty of the Thomas Pell Wildlife Sanctuary. Together, we made a positive impact—one paddle, one step, one piece of litter at a time.
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