The Friends of Poquessing Watershed, Parkwood Civic Association and Philadelphia Water Department teamed to clean up Torrey Woods and Gilbert’s Run on Oct. 10, an effort that produced 51 bags of litter, four bags of recyclable cans and other debris from the park.
There were 11 volunteers in all who scoured the wooded area and stream across Academy Road from Decatur Elementary School. Participants included Stanley, Alex and Sandy Grossman; Rich Glaser; Colleen Ricciardi; Donna Prigge; Rob Prigge; Marge Philippi; Walter Philippi; Jeanne Capone; Hans Brolinson. Water Department employees who joined the effort included Denis Mora, Barry Piloski, Mary Stevenson, Keith Hackney, Joe Connelly and Charles Shaw.
In addition to the bagged items, participants collected a bunch of stuff that might have been left over from a hardcore pro wrestling show, such as two shopping carts, 11 cans of beer, a computer monitor, a screwdriver, a carpenter’s tape, a step ladder, a shovel blade, a hacksaw handle, a combination lock, three iPhones, a folding chair, a resin chair and table, a garden hose, two clothesline props, a fork and spoon, three garden lights, two beach umbrellas, various sports equipment, two scooters, a hubcap, various car parts, a board with nails, a pulley, two metal wheels, a street sign pole and several pipes.
Much of the debris had been tossed into sewer inlets, an indication that people don’t seem to realize or care that items tossed into inlets ultimately end up in natural streams, the same waterways that provide the public’s drinking water.
The Friends of Poquessing Watershed will have another park cleanup event on Saturday, Nov. 14, in the area of Knights Road and Frankford Avenue across from the Wawa store, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The project can count toward community service obligations. Volunteers should wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Visit www.friendsofpoquessing.org for information. ••
