REDISCOVERING OUR RIVER By Adrianna Ahern Donat

Join the celebration of South Orange’s annual River Day

It’s easy to overlook the quiet presence of the Rahway River as it winds its way through our communities, but each year on the first Sunday in May, South Orange comes together to honor this vital waterway.

River Day on May 4 is a celebration of environmental awareness, science and community spirit. Families, students and volunteers will roll up their sleeves, scour the riverbank and pull out a year’s worth of litter while learning firsthand how our actions affect not only our local ecosystem but also the larger environment.

The Rahway River, spanning approximately 24 miles from its mouth on the Arthur Kill in Carteret to the headwaters in West Orange, has been a constant companion to our communities for centuries. SOMA is home to a stretch of the East Branch, part of the 83-square-mile Rahway River watershed, which includes 25 towns in Essex, Union and Middlesex counties. Despite being surrounded by one of the most densely populated regions in the country, the river still nurtures pockets of remarkable biodiversity. Herons, snowy egrets and even large fish make their homes in the water, signs of a healthy ecosystem.

Volunteers of all ages will don waders and gloves to pull garbage from the river, often filling two one-ton pickup trucks.

“The reason our towns exist is because the river is there,” says James McGowan, who is a United Nations environmental expert and a former chairman of the South Orange Environmental Commission. He came up with the idea for River Day. “It’s convenient and gives us everything we need.” Yet, many residents remain unaware of the river’s significance. When McGowan and his fellow volunteers began organizing cleanups more than a decade ago, one neighbor even asked, “What river? Is there a river in town?”

River Day began in 2011 when Walter Clarke, then a member of the South Orange Environmental Commission, saw an opportunity to start an annual event. “I’ve worn a lot of small hats, most of them are green,” Clarke jokes. That first year, up to 300 people gathered to clean the river. The most memorable aspect was the debut of student scientist projects. South Orange Middle School science teacher Nicole Chirlo continues the yearly seventh grade student science projects with her students today. “Instead of just reading about watersheds and ecosystems, they get to step into the river, test water quality and observe living organisms first hand,” says Chirlo. “Working with a local watershed ambassador and participating in River Day 2025 connects them to their community and shows them how their actions can make a real impact. Most importantly, it fosters a sense of environmental responsibility, inspiring them to care for and protect the world around them,” says Chirlo.

Volunteers have pulled out everything from shopping carts and tires to the occasional bicycle.

The tradition of blending science and hands-on community service continues today, with new generations of young environmentalists presenting their findings to the public. “Some of the original student scientists are now in college, and many come back to River Day to cheer on the next generation,” Clarke says. Our connection to the Rahway River extends beyond its scenic beauty. Everything that enters our storm drains, including litter, road salt and pet waste, eventually makes its way to the Rahway and ends up in the Arthur Kill and New York Harbor.

One notable example is the salty taste that residents downstream in Rahway sometimes notice in their drinking water during harsh winters. “When we use a lot of salt to keep our roads safe, that salt washes into the river,” says Dr. Kirk Barrett, president of the Rahway River Watershed Association, environmental engineer and resident of South Orange. “Since salt is tough to remove from water, the impact is felt by communities further down the line.”

River Day combines meaningful environmental action with plenty of fun. Volunteers of all ages will don waders and gloves to pull garbage from the river, often filling two one-ton pickup trucks. Volunteers have pulled out everything from shopping carts and tires to the occasional bicycle. But River Day isn’t just about cleanup. Exhibits highlight local environmental efforts. McGowan and Clarke make sure the event is “fun first.” “We’ve never had any injuries,” McGowan notes with a chuckle. “The most we’ve had to deal with is the occasional misplaced child since the crowd can be large.” Families, kids and even pets become part of the day’s lively atmosphere, celebrating their river while contributing to its protection.

River Day has inspired a deeper connection to the Rahway River. “Being in physical contact with their waterway was a baptism of sorts,” McGowan wrote in his reflective essay Our Watersheds, Ourselves. “It created a visceral sense of responsibility for keeping the water safe and clean.” Community members have advocated for reduced pesticide use, bans on plastic bags and better storm drain management.

The ripple effects of River Day extend beyond South Orange. As Clarke points out, “We’re a community linked by water. What happens here affects people downstream, and that’s a powerful thing to understand.” As River Day approaches its 15th year, the enthusiasm and commitment of the South Orange community show no signs of waning. “The Rahway River has been here long before us and will be here long after,” says Barrett. “Our job is to make sure it’s healthy for the next generation.” Mark your calendars for May 4 and to save time in line, pre-register at sogreenteam.wordpress.com. Bring your gloves, your curiosity and your sense of wonder. Whether you’re collecting garbage or marveling at the student projects, River Day is a reminder that we are all part of this watershed and we have a role to play in protecting it. For updates and rain date (May 11) notifications, follow South Orange Village and the South Orange Environmental Commission on social media @southorangevillage and @sogreenteam.

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Wildlife to Watch for Along the Rahway River

A s you wade into the Rahway River this River Day on May 4, don’t forget to look up, down, and all around. Nature is alive and thriving along the banks of our waterway. From graceful herons to curious turtles, there’s no shortage of fascinating creatures to spot. But while it’s tempting to get up close and personal, it’s important to be mindful of the habitats we’re sharing. “As you enjoy River Day, keep an eye on little ones and watch where you step,” says Linda L. Beck, co-founder of the Meadowlands Park Conservancy and former chair of the South Orange Environmental Commission. “Some creatures nest there, so you need to be careful.” Here’s a quick guide to some of the most exciting wildlife you might encounter:

TURTLES GALORE 🐢 Painted Turtles: These little guys are no bigger than a quarter when they hatch, and their bellies are a striking “Cheetos orange” that makes them easy to spot. They bask on logs and rocks, soaking up the sun, but if you get too close, they’ll slip into the water with a plop. 🐢 Eastern Box Turtles: Although they’re often mistaken for tortoises, box turtles are a terrestrial species that prefer to stay close to the forest floor. If you spot one, admire it from afar. They’re slow movers but critical to our ecosystem. 🐢 Musk Turtles (AKA “Muff” Turtles): These shy creatures are known for their secretive behavior. They tend to stay near the river bottom and release a musky odor when disturbed, hence their nickname! 🐢 Red-Eared Slider Turtles: If you see a turtle with a distinctive red patch behind its eyes, it’s likely a red-eared slider. “These are an invasive species,” Beck warns. “They’re often sold on street corners in New York City. When they outgrow their tanks, people dump them into local waterways. Unfortunately, they crowd out our native species, so please don’t dump them.”
FEATHERED FRIENDS 🐦 Belted Kingfisher: With a distinctive “mohawk” and a sharp chirping call, the belted kingfisher is hard to miss. One particularly vocal kingfisher has made a home near the Rahway River, delighting birdwatchers with its aerial acrobatics. 🐦 Red-Tailed Hawks: Often seen soaring high above Meadowlands Park, these majestic raptors keep a watchful eye on the area. Their piercing cry is a signature sound of the New Jersey skies. 🐦 Great Blue Herons and White Egrets: Standing tall and regal, these elegant waders can often be found fishing along the shallow banks. Their patience while hunting is mesmerizing to watch.
AQUATIC AND FOREST DWELLERS 🐠 White Sucker Fish: These big, bottom-feeding fish use their extra large pectoral fins to navigate the shallow water. If you’re lucky, you might spot them gliding gracefully just beneath the surface. 🦊 Foxes: Though more elusive, foxes sometimes make an appearance along the river’s edge, especially in the early morning or just before dusk. Their rust-colored fur blends seamlessly with the surrounding foliage.
A FEW BONUS FINDS While it’s best to leave live animals where they are so they can continue to thrive (and make more babies for next year’s River Day), there’s one exception. “We often find really interesting skulls – raccoons, foxes, and possums,” Beck says. “You’re allowed to take those home with you!” Whether you’re spotting a turtle sunning itself on a log or marveling at the flight of a red-tailed hawk, keep your eyes peeled and your sense of wonder wide open. Enjoy River Day

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Adrianna Ahern Donat, a freelance writer who cares about SOMA and its wildlife, is ready to talk turtles and trash (the kind you clean up). Grab your gloves and waders and meet her there.