Focus: Rallying for River Health in Rumson

It was a day to pay homage to the rivers.

Clean Ocean Action (COA) and the Rumson Environmental Commission (Rumson EC) hosted the 3rd Annual Rally for the Two Rivers Eco-Fest at Victory Park in Rumson on Saturday.

The event “connected the drops” by highlighting the importance of keeping the rivers clean to ensure a healthy ocean. The free festival drew about 300, who, in the spirit of “watershed mindfulness” education, enjoyed hands-on interaction with turtles and other coastal critters, river seining, learning to row, eco-friendly crafts, composting demo, music, marine debris art and more. The event was also linked with World Ocean Day, which is celebrated on June 8.

“The Two River area had a rough, fishy start to the year, and this was just what the doctor ordered “Uniting groups, businesses, communities and citizens (small and tall) is the best medicine for improving our watery world, and
the Eco-Fest has it all.”
Clean Ocean Action Executive Director Cindy Zipf

The Eco-Fest is coordinated as part of COA’s Rally for the Two Rivers initiative, an alliance of organizations and towns dedicated to improving and protecting the Navesink and Shrewsbury rivers.

At Saturday’s event, COA and Rumson EC were joined by representatives from 26 organizations, which included Rally for the Two Rivers Alliance partners, local Environmental Commissions and Green Teams, and school and community groups.

River Seining with American Littoral Society

“There was so much joy and enthusiasm at this year’s Eco-Fest! It was very inspiring to see children and families enjoying the riverfront setting and fun activities at the Eco-Fest, all while learning how they can help to protect the waterways that define the place they call home. After participating in Eco-Fest, many attendees said that they intend to adopt more eco-friendly practices in their own lives, and that’s ultimately the goal. Through this event, everyone became more ‘waterway mindful,’ understanding that they are all connected to and responsible for our local waterways.”
Clean Ocean Action Watershed Program Coordinator Alison Jones, .

Clean Ocean Action’s Soak It Up activity station at the Eco-Fest

Children were able to dive into the fun by visiting education stations throughout the park and receiving a stamp in their Environmental Passport at each station. An Environmental Passport with 18 stamps was considered complete and received a final “seal of approval.” Completed passports are eligible to redeem eco-friendly giveaways and special treats from participating local businesses throughout June, as well as possible extra credit or a homework pass if shown to their teacher.

“What a perfect day! People were so thankful to be able to gather once again to celebrate the two rivers. Each and every participant and exhibitor I spoke to was so excited to be at the Eco-Fest either teaching or learning ways they can help keep our beautiful waterways clean and healthy. It was a true community event and we at the Rumson Environmental Commission are so happy to partner with a wonderful organization like Clean Ocean Acton to bring this incredible annual event to the two river area.”
Rumson Environmental Commission Chair Kristen Hall

“My favorite activity was the worm catcher because I get to have a new animal. I’m gonna make a house for him outside!”
Kate Foster, age 5

Children making bird feeders with the New Jersey Audubon Society

Clean Ocean Action is the coordinator of Rally for the Two Rivers, a coalition of groups dedicated to improving and maintaining water quality in the Navesink and Shrewsbury River watersheds through research, education and policy.

Rally for the Two Rivers Alliance partners are: American Littoral Society, Bayshore Anglers Association, Bayshore Regional Watershed Council, Conserve Claypit Creek, Hartshorne Woods Association, Monmouth Boat Club, Monmouth Conservation Foundation, Navesink Business Group, Navesink Maritime Heritage Association and River Rangers, Navesink Shrewsbury River Fishing Club, Navesink River Municipalities Committee, Navesink River Rowing Club, NJ Friends of Clearwater, NY/NJ Baykeeper, Oceanport Water Watch Committee, Oceanic Free Library, Pirates Care, Recreational Fishing Alliance, Red Bank Business Alliance, River Rats, Riverview Medical Center, Rumson Environmental Commission, Rumson Garden Club, Shrewsbury Sailing & Yacht Club, Sierra Club, Shore Group, Surfrider-Jersey Shore Chapter, and growing.

— Edited press release and photos from Clean Ocean Action