Cleanup of the Housatonic River’s West Branch Set for Saturday

It’s time once again to clean up our beloved Housatonic River, as the West Branch River Cleanup on the Housatonic River has been scheduled for this Saturday, June 26th.  

The clean-up is set for Saturday, June 26th, from 9 am to Noon: 

According to a media release, volunteers are invited to join the Housatonic Valley Association and the Berkshire Environmental Action Team to help clean up the West Branch of the Housatonic River from 9 am to noon on Saturday. Those who would like to take part will be meeting at Wahconah Park, at 105 Wahconah Street in Pittsfield. Cleanup teams will disperse to nearby locations, gathering miscellaneous trash from the river banks and bottom. Canoes will be used to transport the trash. Old clothes, a hat, sunscreen, old sneakers or waterproof boots/waders, a full water bottle, and sunglasses are recommended. A limited number of hip boots are available to borrow. Trash bags and some work gloves will be provided. Be prepared to get wet – wear old clothes and old sneakers, rubber boots, chest waders.  

Organizers say that if you want to help, you should please RSVP to Noah@thebeatnews.org 

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An additional West Branch Cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, July 17th, from 9 am to noon. 

Jane Winn, Executive Director of BEAT commented... 

Repeated cleanups along the West Branch are making a huge difference. The piles of trash pulled out are getting smaller. We are seeing fewer heavier items in the river such as tires, appliances, and shopping carts. One volunteer has seen otter playing in the river right behind her house. The West Branch provides valuable wildlife habitat.

   

West Branch River cleanups are organized by BEAT and HVA and co-sponsored by the City of Pittsfield and American Rivers. Support is also provided by Blue Q. Pouring rain or thunder cancels.  

For more information or to register to volunteer, contact either HVA at 413-298-7024 adixon@hvatoday.org or BEAT at noah@thebeatnews.org.