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Mon River Sweep Removes Over Half-Ton of Trash from Mon River!

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On June 20th, 2024, to celebrate West Virginia Day, volunteers including WVU students, staff, faculty, and broader Morgantown community collected over 50 bags of trash from the waters, banks, and trails along the Monongahela River in Morgantown, WV. As part of Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission’s (ORSANCO) Ohio River Sweep Season, the Three Rivers Quest (3RQ) Common Waters 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 for the event. 

Volunteers enjoying lunch under the Westover Bridge. Group of volunteers from left to right: Chad Efaw, Sarah Nelson (WVU Civil Engineering undergraduate), Andrew Stegmann (WVU Natural Resources undergraduate), Erin Shepta (WVU Natural Resources Science GRA), Emma Hall (WVU Natural Resources Research Tech), Elise Vuiller (WVU Eberly College undergraduate), and Daniel Bryan (WVU Natural Resources Research Tech).


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 surrounding ecosystems and community. In total, roughly 1,225 pounds of trash were removed from the area.  

Student picking up litter in front of Morgantown Lock and Dam. Adam Gratton, WVU Natural Resource Economic undergraduate, picking up litter in front of the Morgantown Lock and Dam.

Student picking up litter via kayak. Chayce Hill, WVU Chemical Engineering undergraduate, paddling on the Monongahela River during the trash sweep.


3RQ Common Waters 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, the Mon River Trails Conservancy for support and coordination, and the Colcom Foundation’s financial support in upholding environmental sustainability and water resources. Celebrate West Virginia Day every day by cleaning up your favorite creek, river, or walking trail next time you go on an adventure!

WVWRI staff after set up.  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. 

Bags of trash in front of a public art piece. The local art along the Mon River Trails really shines!