Harmony Gun Club had one of the largest groups of the cleanup.
Every March, the Cumberland County Clean Communities Program hosts a county-wide Trash Hunt to promote awareness of and accountability for preserving the environment. The Clean Communities Program is a statewide, comprehensive, litter-abatement program created by the passage of the Clean Communities Act in 1986. It is administered by The Authority of Cumberland County. This annual event took place this year on Saturday, March 15, as participants throughout the county did their part to keep Cumberland County beautiful.
The annual Trash Hunt would not be possible without the efforts of the Cumberland County Federation of Sportsmen. Since its inception in 1992 with the Sportsmen’s Federation, the Annual Trash Hunt has grown to include local environmental organizations, school groups, and individuals who want to get involved and make a difference. This year’s event was again held in memory of Lee Widjeskog, long-time member and secretary of the Cumberland County Federation of Sportsmen and backbone of the Trash Hunt.
“We are proud to be keeping the tradition going year after year,” said Rich Camp, president of the Cumberland County Federation of Sportsmen. “The Cumberland County Federation of Sportsmen is grateful for its continued partnership with The Authority, as we celebrate 33 years of the Trash Hunt.”
With the help of The Authority, the Cumberland County Clean Communities Program, the Cumberland County Federation of Sportsmen, NJ Fish and Wildlife, and the NJ AmeriCorps Watershed Ambassadors Program, 498 volunteers from 31 groups participated in the event, making it The Authority’s largest number of volunteers to participate in a cleanup to date. The Authority’s Clean Communities program provided gloves, trash bags, and trash pickup after the event to ensure proper disposal. A total of 11.94 tons (23,880 pounds) of waste and car tires were removed from various locations throughout Cumberland County. All trash was properly disposed of at The Authority’s Solid Waste Complex on Jesse Bridge Road, Millville.
“The continued success of this event would not be possible without The Authority’s partnerships with the Cumberland County Federation of Sportsmen, NJ Fish and Wildlife, and the NJ AmeriCorps Watershed Ambassador’s Program,” said Samantha DeFrancisco, Cumberland County Recycling and Clean Communities coordinator. “I want to thank all our volunteers for their efforts, as we work together to keep Cumberland County beautiful. Each year, the Trash Hunt gets bigger and better, and it truly indicates how many of our residents take pride in our community and environment.”
Boy Scout Troop 4 helped recover a boat and hot tub from Fish and Wildlife properties.
Vineland High School SHAPE Club removed unwanted debris from areas in Vineland.
The Authority and the Cumberland County Clean Communities Program would like to thank all the volunteers who participated in the 2025 record-breaking event. The following groups and volunteers took part in the 33rd Annual Trash Hunt:
• The Cumberland County Sportsmen’s Federation,
• Good Sports Gun Club,
• Menantico Gun Club,
• South Millville Gun Club,
• Mauricetown Gun Club,
• Competition Dirt Riders,
• East Creek Gunning Club,
• Tri-County Sportsmen MC,
• Harmony Gun Club,
• Hickory Gun Club,
• Double Oaks,
• Venatores Gun Club,
• Citizens United To Protect the Maurice River,
CU Maurice River helped to beautify a wooded area along Union Lake.
• AmeriCorps Watershed Ambassadors,
• Downe Township Green Team,
• Troop 4 Boy Scouts,
• Sheet Metal Workers Local 27,
• Millville Woman’s Club (see below),
• Vineland High School SHAPE Club,
• Deerfield Township School Student Council and Honor Society,
• Positive Vibes Community Group,
• Cohansey Area Watershed Association,
• The Greenwich Action Alliance,
• Law Offices of Michael Gaffney,
• The Ambrose Family,
• The Hoerl Family,
• The DeFrancisco Family,
• The D’Agostino Family,
• The Racano Family,
• Justine Panchesine and Family,
• Melissa Hernandez and Friends, and
• Ms. Ellen Gavin.
“For 33 years, Trash Hunt volunteers have come together, working to improve our tomorrow,” said Shelly Schneider, vice chairman. “The Trash Hunt is just another example The Authority promoting environmental sustainability and accountability in Cumberland County.
For more information on the Cumberland County Clean Communities Programs, visit www.theauthoritynj.com/clean-communities/.
JOINING THE HUNT
Cumberland County Clean Communities Program had their 33rd Annual County Trash Hunt on March 15. The day was chilly and damp with some drizzle, but that didn’t keep members of the Millville Woman’s Club (MWC) from donning their warm jackets and gloves, grabbing their tools, and joining the Hunt once again. Participating in this county event has become an annual project for the club as well. MWC strives to play its part in keeping our neighborhood, our city and our county clean and safe.
Mary Miskelly, Joann Schmidt, Louise Jones, and Pam McNamee
