PITTSFIELD, Mass. — 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 this Saturday, June 29, from 9 AM to Noon. 

 

After the cleanup, volunteers will be provided 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 June 29. 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. In the event of pouring rain or lightning, the cleanup will be canceled. 

 

According to a press release: 

 

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 their volunteers.

 

BEAT is also conducting a trash inventory of everything collected. They're seeking volunteers who want to help without entering the river to assist in data collection. 

 

Join BEAT and HVA at a cleanup this summer to make a difference for the environment. Register at www.tinyurl.com/Housatonic-River-Cleanups-2024. For more information, visit thebeatnews.org or call (413) 464-9402.

 

West Branch Housatonic River Cleanups are organized by Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) and Housatonic Valley Association (HVA) and co-sponsored by Blue Q, Panera, and the City of Pittsfield.