On May 10th, 2025, the West Virginia Water Research Institute held its second annual Mon River Sweep, which had a turn out of around 70 volunteers, including WVU students, staff, and members of the Morgantown community. 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), organized the event with help from Ascend WV for a 5 hour clean up, both on and off the water. Volunteers had the opportunity to collect trash on foot and by kayaking.

Volunteers gathering to sign in at 2025 Mon River Sweep.

Over 6,600 pounds of trash were removed from the Monongahela River and its banks, surpassing last year’s total of 1,225 pounds. Three Rivers Waterkeeper brought their large boat to collect heavy items from the river, including broken TVs, chairs, bicycles, mattresses, and barrels. In addition to Ascend WV and 3 Rivers Waterkeeper, several organizations including Mon River Trails, HealthRight, Morgantown Board of Parks and Recreation, and Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission helped make this event possible.

 Volunteers cleaning area along Monongahela River.

When asked about what she thought the impact of her volunteer work is on the river and Morgantown community, Hannah Bentley, WVU class of ’25, responded with “I believe that we really helped brighten up the rail trail. We had a lot of people come out and join us and even some spectators who thanked us for our hard work. I think overall that we helped make people more aware of how much trash was present but also inspired them to participate in our efforts.”

Sarah Rizer, WVU class of ’25, states “I chose to volunteer for this river sweep because the Monongahela River is a special place for me. I use the trail almost daily for exercise, and this felt like a meaningful way to give back to a community space that I use so often.” For the Morgantown community, the Monongahela River provides so much, and that’s what inspired so many volunteers to fill some trash bags a Saturday.

Kayaks collecting trash from the Monongahela River.

For those who cannot attend the Mon River Sweep, you can still give back to your environment by cleaning up trash when you see it in nature—whether it’s during a hike, a walk through your neighborhood, or a visit to a local park. Every small action contributes to a healthier ecosystem and a cleaner community.

Sarah Nelson, Civil Engineering Major, cleaning up trash along the Monongahela Riverbank.

“I think it is beyond important to pick up litter from areas where it does not belong. Even while on a casual stroll in your neighborhood, challenge yourself to see how much trash you are able to collect. You will be shocked with how much you end up finding and have a greater appreciation for your community.” -Eliza Siefert, Critical Materials Water Research and Organizer of Mon River Sweep

Pile of trash collected from Monongahela River.