When his daughter Isabel was young, he took her to the creek to enjoy nature, but was appalled by how much litter lined the banks and riverbed.
It didn't matter what part of the creek his family entered- he saw a serious problem with "legacy dumping" that was everywhere.
Two weeks later Eric put his emotions into action by cleaning up the creek, with work tools and a couple of friends.
Fast Forward to August 3, 2025, where Beth Intoccia, Chair of the Chester County Litter Lifters and Litter Lifters of West Vincent Township, was compelled to volunteer with this amazing group of leaders in action, calling themselves Creek Rats.
Beth has followed their work for 5 years, when she started a litter group in her community.
“Upon arrival at the river trail, I peered over the bridge by The Texas Lunch, and admired the beautiful water and charming city of Chambersburg,” said Beth. “Once in the water, with canoes launched and ready to be litter barges, we got to work!
“With 10 volunteers, we hauled out approximately 800 lbs of litter in three hours.”
This beautiful stretch of creek gets a cleanup by volunteers when they see it needs attention.
The reason Conococheague Creek in Central PA is clean and beautiful is because of the consistent creek clean ups- upwards of 40 events a year- where the volunteers work 1-2 mile sections of the creek.
Here are the stats: Creek Cleanup Project removed 225,00 lbs of litter; properly disposed of 20,000 illegally dumped tires; engaged 100’s volunteers and dozens of businesses; covered 93 miles of waterway starting in Franklin County, PA and ending in Williamsport, Maryland where it travels to the Potomac River.
The Borough of Chambersburg commends the efforts of the Creek cleanup project.
In support of their work, the borough has heightened enforcement of the “No Dumping” Law, and increased access to the creek with their vegetative management plan, with the goal of eradicating illegal dumping.
How do goats come into the picture?
Chambersburg Borough Storm Sewer System Manager, Andrew Stottlemyer hired Flockworks, a company which provides a sustainable alternative to chemical herbicides and lawn equipment.
This guided goat grazing is used to clear overgrown and invasive vegetation along the banks of the river trail.
This method improves habitat for wildlife by promoting the growth of native plants.
This is the 2nd season utilizing the goats to manage vegetation, which allows an environmentally-friendly method for controlling weeds and brush, without using chemicals.
"This was the 1st cleanup I've ever been to where we heard and saw adorable goats. I felt really good knowing this community is working together to improve the environment." said Beth.
Cleaning up waterways and roads is not an easy task, but the rewards are great: an area free of litter improves property values, reduces crime, improves business prosperity, builds community pride and protects wildlife.
We all deserve to live in a clean, beautiful environment, but it takes strategic planning and action.
To volunteer or donate, visit the Creek Cleanup Project website or follow them on Facebook. Send email to: ccpfcpa@gmail.com to volunteer or learn more.
(Submitted by Beth Intoccia, Chair of the Chester County Litter Lifters and Litter Lifters of West Vincent Township.)
Related Article This Week:
-- Giant Food Stores, Keep PA Beautiful Award 37 Healing The Planet Grants To Support Local Native Tree Planting Projects [PaEN]
NewsClips:
-- Inquirer/WPost: I’m A Microplastics Researcher, Here’s How I Limit The Plastic In My Life
[Posted: August 15, 2025] PA Environment Digest
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