UPPER MERION TOWNSHIP, PENNSYLVANIA — Upper Merion Township, in partnership with the Schuylkill Action Network (SAN), will host the annual Scrub & Pub litter cleanup event on Thursday March 26, from 1:30 to 5:00 p.m. at sites throughout the township. A celebratory happy hour will follow at Puddlers Kitchen. Volunteers are asked to register now through Upper Merion Township’s website.
The Scrub & Pub is one of SAN’s signature community events, bringing people, businesses, and other groups together to take hands-on action for cleaner waterways and a beautiful local environment. The event is organized in collaboration with Upper Merion Township, the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, the Philadelphia Water Department, and Aqua, an Essential Utilities Company, with cleanup materials provided courtesy of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
“The Scrub and Pub is more than just a cleanup,” said Upper Merion Township Manager Tony Hamaday. “It’s a perfect blend of community spirit and environmental stewardship, and provides a special opportunity for residents, non-profits, and businesses to come together and make a tangible difference in the health of the Schuylkill River watershed.”
Over the past few years volunteers have picked up thousands of pounds of trash, from candy wrappers and fast-food cups to plastic bottles and bags. And then there’s the big stuff — old tires, car parts, paint cans, tarps, and more. Most of these things would have continued to clutter local parks or be roadside eyesores before wind and stormwater carried them into creeks and the Schuylkill River, a source of drinking water to millions.
Volunteers who roll up their sleeves for the afternoon cleanup will receive a voucher for a complimentary beer (for ages 21 and older) during a Happy Hour celebration at Puddler’s
Kitchen, courtesy of Conshohocken Brewing Co. and for the under 21 crowd a coupon for an ice cream discount, courtesy of Frosty Falls, because good deeds should be rewarded. New volunteers also take home a free T-shirt.
“As one of our region’s most critical drinking water sources, keeping the Schuylkill River clean is a priority of the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary and all of SAN’s 300+ partner organizations.” said PDE Executive Director Kathy Klein. “This annual cleanup is a great way for people of all ages to get outside after a long winter spent indoors to show their love for this amazing watershed that both people and wildlife depend on each and every day.”
Registration for the Scrub & Pub is free and open to the public. Sign up at here then meet at Ross Field at the corner of Ross and Henderson Roads. Volunteers must be 21+ to redeem the free beer voucher. This event is registered with Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful in support of the Pick Up PA initiative.
The Schuylkill Action Network is a collaborative initiative working to improve water quality and watershed health throughout the Schuylkill River basin. SAN engages community members, local governments, and partner organizations in science-based, on-the-ground action to protect and restore the Schuylkill and its tributaries.
Sights and Sounds: Photos from previous Scrub & Pubs.
