Thanks to the trash-cleaners and the weeders

(Left to right): Virginia Keefe of Swarthmore, Rachel and Ruby Hezlep of Rutledge, and Laurie Friedman of Nether Providence at the CADES site for the CRC Watersheds Association annual streams clean up. Photo: Susan Ethridge

(Left to right): The Gaffney Family of Wallingford (Christina, Elizabeth, Mariah, and Cayla) picking up trash from Little Crum Creek. Photo: Susan Kelly

To the Editor,

Last Saturday was a perfect day for the annual Chester Ridley Crum (CRC) Watersheds Association Streams Cleanup Day at Little Crum Creek Park, with cool weather and a beautiful blue sky. Volunteers, 35 in all (some as young as age 4), worked for several hours. They cleared away trash and debris (including lots of beer bottles and cigarette butts from the regular party-in-the-park group) from the streams and the park grounds, weeded, mulched around trees, collected branches that had been brought down by recent storms, and cleaned out the gutter along Cresson Lane. Some hearty workers also tackled the ongoing task of removing invasive plants from along the stream bank. This area will eventually be replanted with native species that will provide food and habitat for creatures who live in the park. Members of the Friends of Little Crum Creek Park assigned the various tasks and supervised the volunteers. Some volunteers return to this site every year, and others were new and will be returning to have picnics and visit the Storybook Walk. I was particularly pleased to see parents working with young children who were eager to help in the park they frequently visit, and who will be our next generation of volunteer leaders. We always appreciate meeting new friends and seeing our regular Park Pals. Thanks to all for a great day!

Susan Kelly
Volunteer and steward of the park, and president of the board of Friends of Little Crum Creek Park.