Fort River Source to Sea Cleanup September 27
Annual Fort River Cleanup. Photo: Fort River Watershed Association
Source: Fort River Watershed Association
The Annual Fort River Cleanup in Amherst will be held on September 27 at Groff Park from 9:30 a.m to Noon. The cleanup starts at 10 a.m. and coffee and snacks will be served beginning at 9:30 a.m. The event is part of the Connecticut River Conservancy’s 29th Annual Source to Sea Cleanup. This free, family-friendly event is a chance for our community to come together, clean up our beloved local river, and celebrate the natural beauty of the Fort River Watershed.
Register for the event here.
Volunteers of all ages and abilities are welcome! Just bring your boots, long pants, and a reusable water bottle. We’ll provide everything else you need to make a difference.
Each year, this regional effort draws thousands of volunteersfrom across Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Connecticut. Together, we help remove trash and debris from our rivers, preventing pollution and protecting wildlife habitats all the way along the river to the Long Island Sound.
Source to Sea Cleanup volunteers have worked hard to combat litter and illegally dumped trash. Over the past 28 years, volunteers have removed more than 1,100 tons of trash from the Connecticut River system. These cleanups make a lasting difference in the health of our rivers and the communities they run through.
The Fort River is the longest free-flowing tributary of the Connecticut River in Massachusetts. Its watershed spans Amherst, Shutesbury, Pelham, Belchertown, and Hadley, and is home to diverse wildlife, including freshwater mussels like the federally endangered dwarf wedgemussel. The river also helps feed the drinking water supply for Amherst and Hadley.
Want to Do Even More?
We’re also seeking volunteer site leaders, logistics support, and event sponsors to help make this event a success. If you’re interested, please reach out to: fortriverwatershed@gmail.com
