MORGANTOWN, WV (LOOTPRESS) – On May 10, more than 70 volunteers gathered for the second annual Mon River Sweep, an event hosted by the West Virginia Water Research Institute (WVWRI).
Participants included WVU students, staff, and community members, all working together to remove trash from the Monongahela River and its banks.
The cleanup was part of the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission’s (ORSANCO) Ohio River Sweep Season and organized through WVWRI’s Three Rivers Quest (3RQ) Common Waters Program.
The event was supported by Ascend WV and ran for five hours, both on land and on water, with volunteers collecting trash by foot and by kayak.
In total, over 6,600 pounds of trash were removed—far surpassing last year’s total of 1,225 pounds.
Heavy items like broken TVs, chairs, bicycles, mattresses, and barrels were retrieved with help from Three Rivers Waterkeeper, which brought a large boat to assist in the effort.
Multiple organizations contributed to making the sweep a success, including Mon River Trails Conservancy, HealthRight, the Morgantown Board of Parks and Recreation, and ORSANCO.
WVU senior Hannah Bentley shared her perspective on the event.
“I believe that we really helped brighten up the rail trail. We had a lot of people come out and join us and even some spectators who thanked us for our hard work. I think overall that we helped make people more aware of how much trash was present but also inspired them to participate in our efforts.”
Fellow student Sarah Rizer also found personal meaning in the cleanup.
“I chose to volunteer for this river sweep because the Monongahela River is a special place for me. I use the trail almost daily for exercise, and this felt like a meaningful way to give back to a community space that I use so often.”
While not everyone can attend the Mon River Sweep, organizers stress that individuals can still make an impact.
Cleaning up trash during daily walks, hikes, or visits to parks can contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment.
“I think it is beyond important to pick up litter from areas where it does not belong,” said Eliza Siefert, a Critical Materials Water Researcher and Mon River Sweep organizer.
“Even while on a casual stroll in your neighborhood, challenge yourself to see how much trash you are able to collect. You will be shocked with how much you end up finding and have a greater appreciation for your community.”
