Chayce Hill, WVWRI student worker, paddling on the Monongahela River during the trash sweep.
This past West Virginia Day, June 20th, 2024, the Monongahela River Trash Sweep was successful in collecting over 50 bags of trash from the waters, banks, and trails along the Mon River in Morgantown, WV. As part of Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission’s (ORSANCO) Ohio River Sweep Season, the Three Rivers Quest (3RQ) Program, housed at the West Virginia Water Research Institute (WVWRI), spearheaded the event, supporting their mission to preserve and protect the Monongahela, Ohio, and Allegheny Rivers. Ascend WV, dedicated to promoting the beauty and outdoor recreation of West Virginia, provided food, drinks, and free kayaks to the event.
Group of volunteers from left to right: Chad Efaw, Sarah Nelson (WVWRI student worker), Andrew Stegmann (WVU Natural Resources student worker), Erin Shepta (WVU Natural Resources Science GRA), Emma Hall (WVU Natural Resources Research Tech), Elise Vuiller (WVU Eberly College student), and Daniel Bryan (WVU Natural Resources Research Tech).
Adam Gratton, WVWRI student worker, picking up litter in front of the Morgantown Lock and Dam.
Despite the heat, 30 volunteers joined 3RQ and Ascend WV to paddle and walk the Monongahela River, making a huge impact on the Monongahela River and the community. In total, roughly 1,225 pounds of trash were removed from the area.
3RQ would like to extend a thanks to all the wonderful volunteers, as well as ORSANCO for the supplies, Health Right of Morgantown for sharps disposal, and the Mon River Trails Conservancy for support and coordination. Celebrate West Virginia Day every day by cleaning up your favorite creek, river, or walking trail next time you go on an adventure!
From left to right: Brett Ballard (WVU Physics GRA), Nate DePriest (WVWRI Water Resources Engineer), Eliza Siefert (WVWRI Critical Materials Water Researcher), and Melissa Shafer (WVWRI Water Research Scientist) shortly after setting up.