The beautiful Ohio River will look even better after Saturday’s Ohio River Sweep.

The New Martinsville Parks and Recreation Department will once again participate in the Ohio River Sweep this Saturday from 10 a.m. until noon at the boat ramp by the Wetzel County Court House.

For over 20 years the NMPRD has been involved in this one-day clean up project for the Ohio River and its tributaries. The sweep covers nearly 3,000 miles of shoreline from Pittsburgh, Pa., to Cairo, Ill., and averages more that 22,000 volunteers a year.

The Ohio River Sweep takes place along both sides of the Ohio River and is open for anyone who wishes to volunteer. Participants under the age of 18 must have a signed waiver from their parent/guardian before participation. Each volunteer receives a t-shirt and garbage bags.

For more information contact the NM Parks Office at 455-9130.

Trash collected during the Sweep has included cars, tires, furniture, toys, a piano, and a variety of other items. In New Martinsville tires, paper, cans, barrels, metal, furniture, toys, and clothing have been found and removed. All trash collected is either recycled or placed in approved landfills. Solid Waste Services has been kind enough to donate a dumpster for the River Sweep this year. The River Sweep is held to create an awareness of water quality problems caused by litter and illegal dumping, as well as build community involvement and provide volunteer opportunities.