PITTSFIELD, Mass. — On Saturday, June 25, from 9 am – 1 pm, volunteers are invited to help clean up the West Branch of the Housatonic River. 

 

Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) said cleanups make a considerable difference in the health of the Housatonic River and the wildlife that depends on it. Over the years, BEAT and Housatonic Valley Association (HVA) have collected an 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, said BEAT in a press release. 

 

Participants are asked to meet at Wahconah Park, 105 Wahconah Street. 

 

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. The cleanup will be canceled in the event of pouring rain or thunder. 

 

An additional West Branch Cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, July 23, from 9 am to 1 pm.

 

West Branch river cleanups are organized by BEAT and HVA and co-sponsored by Blue Q, the City of Pittsfield, and American Rivers. 

 

For more information or to register to volunteer, contact BEAT at noah@thebeatnews.org.