Barnegat Bay gets TLC during day-long “Blitz”

It didn't feel much like late spring Wednesday morning, with clouds overhead and temps in the 50s - but for volunteers who removed trash from around Barnegat Bay, it was perfect weather for their outdoor activity.

This year marks the third consecutive Barnegat Bay Blitz, an initiative by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection that gives people from all walks of life a chance to take a personal role in the Bay's health and welfare.

A hearty group met around 9 AM in the gazebo of Huddy Park in Downtown Toms River.

For Lindsay McNamara, a member of the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey, it was more than a mission for clean water.

"There's a lot of at-risk wildlife species that are within the Barnegat Bay Watershed, that our organization is working hard to protect," she said.

WaWa in Toms River sent a contingent clad in bright green - appropriately - tee shirts. Christiane Tavares and Nicholas Siciliano were among those taking time from their jobs at the convenience store chain to join the team.

"It's just a great thing to do. We should all do this," Christiane said. "Giving a little bit of ourselves, it's the most beautiful thing a person can do."

Nick observed that for most of us, it's a brief pause in lives that are too hectic to devote entirely to our ecology - but a welcome one. "You walk away feeling like you did something good for the environment," Nick said.

DEP Commissioner Bob Martin was also among the many who pitched in around the waterway. The Blitz also raises awareness of ongoing research into Barnegat Bay's health, conducted by Rutgers University with support from DEP.

Others who rolled up their sleeves or acknowledged the effort included Toms River Mayor Thomas Kelaher and Public Works Director Lou Amoruso, and South Toms River Administrator Joe Kostecki and Councilman Greg Handshy.