Volunteers Sought for Earth Month Cleanup at Concord Pond

Sussex County, DE - As part of an Earth Month celebration, the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) is seeking volunteers for a cleanup event at Concord Pond. This location is a popular fishing and boating destination near Seaford.

The event is scheduled to be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 11. Volunteers are asked to pre-register for the cleanup prior to arrival.

The annual cleanup is sponsored by DNREC in partnership with the Nanticoke Watershed Alliance. The objective is to improve local water quality and support wildlife habitat. Concord Pond is located in the Deep Creek watershed. Water from the pond drains directly into the creek at the cleanup site.

Deep Creek subsequently flows into the larger Nanticoke River watershed and the Chesapeake Bay Basin. The health of these local waterways and ecosystems is improved by volunteers who participate in cleanups and tree plantings.

The Deep Creek watershed supports vital underwater grasses. These grasses are utilized by fish for spawning, nurseries, and protective cover. However, this watershed has been impacted by nonpoint source pollution. This pollution originates from a variety of sources, including fertilizers, animal waste, septic systems, and litter.

These pollutants can make it difficult for vegetation and aquatic species to thrive. The absorption and filtration of pollutants can be facilitated by planting buffers of trees and aquatic vegetation along the waterways.

Participants will meet in the parking area at the intersection of Concord Pond Road and Henry Drive in Seaford. Supplies, drinking water, and light snacks will be provided at this location. Trash bags, gloves, and trash grabbers will be distributed to volunteers.

However, participants are encouraged to bring their own trash grabbers if they have them. The cleanup efforts will be focused on both the tidal and nontidal areas around the pond and creek.

Funding for projects that reduce nutrient and sediment pollution is offered by DNREC's Nonpoint Source Program and the Chesapeake Implementation Program. Additionally, financial and technical assistance is provided to homeowners by the Delaware Community Conservation Assistance Program for the implementation of eligible conservation practices.

Projects that improve the health of local waterways are assisted by the Nanticoke Watershed Alliance. This organization also monitors water quality through the volunteer Creek Watchers Program.

More information about local watersheds can be identified by visiting the delawarewatersheds.org webpage. To join DNREC in celebrating Earth Month and Earth Day on April 22, the de.gov/earthday webpage can be visited.

Photo Credit: DNREC Press Release