Volunteers are needed to help clean up the West Branch of the Housatonic River with Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) and Housatonic Valley Association (HVA) at one of their annual river cleanups on Saturday, July 19, from 9 AM to Noon. After the cleanup, volunteers will be provided with a free lunch from a local restaurant. Volunteers must RSVP in advance to reserve a free lunch.
Participants should meet at Wahconah Park, 105 Wahconah Street, Pittsfield, at 9 AM on July 19. Cleanup teams will disperse to nearby locations, gathering miscellaneous trash from the river banks and bottom. Canoes will be used to transport the trash. Volunteers should be prepared to get wet and dirty. Old clothes, a hat, sunscreen, old sneakers or waterproof boots/waders, a full water bottle, and sunglasses are recommended. A limited number of waders will be available for participants to borrow. ★ In the event of pouring rain or lightning, the cleanup will be postponed to Saturday, August 16. ★
Cleanups make a considerable difference in the health of the Housatonic River. Over the years, BEAT and HVA have collected a startling array of debris — including mattresses, shopping carts, inflatable pools, bicycles, televisions, tires, construction materials, metal barrels, and all kinds of everyday trash. Once, they even found an empty ATM. Since beginning annual cleanups, their efforts have made a noticeable difference, with the piles of trash getting smaller. This wouldn't be possible without the help of volunteers.
★ REGISTRATION REQUESTED ★ – tinyurl.com/Housatonic-River-Cleanups-2025
Registering helps us prepare and ensures we have enough materials and food for everyone, and allows you to let us know if you have any dietary restrictions.
West Branch River Cleanups are organized by BEAT and HVA and co-sponsored by the City of Pittsfield.
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