Despite wind chills in the single digits on January 30, a group of hardy souls calling themselves “River Rats” showed up to clean up Palmer’s Island in New Bedford Harbor. They collected more than 25 bags of trash and lots of large debris that was all removed.
“So many dedicated and caring people were just happy to be there, no complaints about the cold, they just wanted to get Palmers cleaner and make a difference to the environment,” wrote organizer Russ Wotton on his Facebook page on 1/30/21. “I am so grateful for so many caring “River Rats” for showing up on this cold bitter but beautiful day. Thank you very much to all 20 of you for being there.
“A little more work to go but these hard working volunteers will get the job done. Palmers Island Park is becoming a beautiful place to once again visit.”
- A City of New Bedford worker hauls away the trash and debris that volunteers collected from Palmer’s Island and moved to the mainland on 1/30/21. Photo courtesy of Russ Wotton.
- Bags of trash and debris are piled up after being collected from Palmer’s Island in New Bedford harbor and then moved to the mainland where it can be picked up for proper disposal on 1/30/21. Photo courtesy of Russ Wotton.
- Debris, including wood and large boat foam, is piled up for propery removal and disposal after being collected from Palmer’s Island in New Bedford harbor on 1/30/21. Photo courtesy of Russ Wotton.
- Volunteers pick up trash and debris on Palmer’s Island in New Bedford harbor on 1/30/21. Photo courtesy of Russ Wotton.
- Volunteers pick up trash and debris on Palmer’s Island in New Bedford harbor on 1/30/21. Photo courtesy of Russ Wotton.
•••
Support local journalism, donate to the Neighb News with PayPal.
Click here to download the entire 2/25/21 issue: 02-25-21 BaskRibbonCut
Click here to download Mr. Espindola’s disclosure: 02-23-21 EspindolaDisclosure