The annual cleanup is coming to Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, but based on past years' findings it might better be described as a scavenger hunt.

Over the years, volunteers helping out the park staff have discovered:

* A 1962 pickup truck

* The hood to a 1960 Ford Falcon

* A bowling ball, with a chain, of course

* Several safes, both with and without doors

* A model of a human brain

* Skis and ski boots

* A loaded shotgun

* And 18 sticks of dynamite

This year's cleanup is scheduled for July 18-19. The event is sponsored by the Milford-based Kittatinny Canoes (KC), the oldest and largest canoe livery operator in the country, and will take place this year on July 18 on the Upper Delaware National Scenic and Recreational River and on July 19 on the Middle Delaware National Scenic and Recreational River within Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

“The NPS is celebrating our Centennial anniversary this year and this event really captures the spirit of our mission to preserve and protect some of America’s greatest treasures, including the Delaware River,” said Water Gap Superintendent John Donahue. “We are very fortunate to have such great volunteers, partners, community members, and local businesses to help us achieve our goals.”

Volunteers and Park Service employees will paddle 8- to 10-mile sections of the river picking up trash from the shorelines, islands, and the river bottom along the way. Breakfast, dinner, canoes, life jackets, and transportation are all provided by KC. Check-in on July 19 will begin at 8 a.m. at the Dingmans Ferry Access in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

To register for either day, contact Kittatinny Canoes at 1-800-356-2852.

According to Superintendent Donahue, “this event offers a perfect opportunity for people to get out and enjoy a day on the river while contributing to a good cause. A cleaner river means cleaner water for all of us.”

To date, employees and volunteers have removed more than 450 tons of trash from the Delaware River, including 8,881 tires and 8,695 pounds of aluminum cans. This year, trash removal and recycling is being funded through the generous support of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council.

Some of the most common items found include:

* Camping gear

* Fishing gear

* Shoes of all sorts

* Food and beverage packaging

* Barbecue grills and parts

* Lawn chairs/ folding chairs

* Balls- tennis balls, golf balls, beach balls, soccer balls, volleyballs

For information about the clean-up event or to register as a volunteer, call Kittatinny Canoes at (800) 356-2852.