The sixth annual Patchogue River Cleanup Event made a splash once again this year as it removed hundreds of pounds’ worth of garbage from the nearby Watch Hill Ferry Terminal.  A two-hour event on Sunday lasting from 10 a.m. to noon, concerned citizens cleaned up litter from the lake and nearby park areas.

Caitlin Jackson, co-chair of PEP (Protecting the Environment Organization) in Patchogue, started the event six years ago due to concerns surrounding the Watch Hill Ferry Terminal. 

“Me and my husband were boating one day,” Jackson commented, “when we noticed the slew of trash floating down the terminal.”

Using her connections to the National Park Services, the Village of Patchogue, and St. Joseph’s University’s Biology and Sustainability clubs, Jackson soon started the well-known yearly event on the island to try and make a lasting change.

In the past two years alone, the Patchogue River Cleanup Event has cleansed the area of over 550 pounds of waste that would have further polluted the beautiful park area. Items normally found by volunteers include dozens of cigarettes, plastic bottles, beer cans, ditched clothing, and even diapers, according to concerned citizen Don Wachsmuth, also known as “Mr. Volunteer.”  Operating one of the many boats used to help pick up trash every 20 minutes in the lake, he takes pride that the environment is at least a tiny bit cleaner thanks to his help.

“It’s criminal just how much junk is found all across the island!,” Wachsmuth vouched.  “The worst thing by far are the diapers we find from time to time.  It is disgusting!”

With dozens of citizens volunteering their time at the event this year, hundreds of pounds of waste will be gathered to make the nearby park and lake area just a bit cleaner from environmental neglect.

“It is really great every year to see the community come out,” Jackson exclaimed.  “It proves how communities can come together to bring a larger impact on their environment than the individuals themselves.”