On a clear Sunday morning in April, the Lehigh University Outing Club joined with members of the Phi Sigma Pi sorority to do a cleanup along the D&L Canal. Seven students, including Shasha Feng, Cole Beckerman, Madison Hernandez, Amanda Korweck, Vicky Raso, Cody Benkoski and Henry Price participated in the cleanup.

Often, the Outing Club cleans the waters and shores of the canal from their kayaks. But trout season had begun. To respect the anglers and not disturb the fish, the kayaks stayed berthed, while the groups roamed the area between the canal and Sand Island to clear rubbish.

Much of the trash they found was small, until they reached a small beach. In an open area with a fine view of SteelStacks, large pieces of discarded clothing, tiny liquor bottles and other detritus were removed.

The group opined that people came to the beach to picnic, party, and swim. (Swimming is not permitted in the river). Two garbage bags were filled from the steps down to the beach area, and from the beach itself. A pair of ducks observed from the river, waiting to see if the group had food for them.

Shasha Feng, leader of the Outing Club, said the oddest things they pull from the waters of the canal are single shoes. Once, they found a backpack full of empty beer bottles, as if the backpack’s owner had planned to recycle them, then forgotten the bag.

The Outing Club cleans the canal and surrounding area in the fall and spring. The sorority members were happy to join in, as the COVID pandemic has limited their opportunities for community service. The April 18 cleanup was their last before final exams began at Lehigh University.