Delaware Valley Ridge Riders host a day of environmental stewardship and camaraderie in Downsville
DOWNSVILLE - On Sunday, Sept. 7, the Delaware Valley Ridge Riders (DVRR) snowmobile club brought the community together for a day of environmental stewardship and outdoor fun. The event featured a river cleanup and float along the east branch of the Delaware River, from the historic Downsville Covered Bridge downstream to the Mattsons’ Farm beyond the Corbett Roebling Bridge. Approximately 50 participants, including club members and local residents from all around, took part in the event.
Katelyn Peaster, event coordinator, explained that the day’s activities were more about community service and enjoyment than fundraising.
“It’s just a fun day,” she said. There was no charge for participants and a 50/50 raffle before and after the float raised funds for the club.
While floating and river cleanup was the main focus, the event also included a barbecue at Harmonie Farms afterward.
Peaster noted, “We’ve done this for years. Usually, the kids get prizes for picking up garbage, and they’ve found some pretty surprising things - bicycles, refrigerators.”
The event drew a mixture of outdoor enthusiasts and families. Peaster mentioned that in past years, the turnout has been higher, but the brisker weather and competing events likely affected this year’s numbers.
The event also offered a look into the club’s broader mission. DVRR, which maintains approximately 70 miles of trail across Colchester, Walton and into Hamden is open to new members interested in snowmobiling, trail maintenance, and outdoor recreation.
Peaster shared, “You can join online via Facebook or our website. The fee is $30, and it includes perks like reduced registration costs and discounts on hotels and tires.”
Members of the club, like Peaster, enjoy volunteering because it’s a way to give back to the community and enjoy outdoor activities year-round.
“It feels good to give back,” Peaster said.
The upcoming trail maintenance day on Campbell Mountain scheduled for September 13 reflects their ongoing commitment to preserving outdoor spaces for everyone - whether they’re snowmobilers, hikers, horse riders, or kayak enthusiasts.
The event culminated in a lively gathering with a barbecue, live raffle, and camaraderie, emphasizing how outdoor recreation and community service can go hand in hand.
For more information about DVRR, including how to join, visit dvrrsnowmobileclub.com