Cleanups make a considerable difference in the health of the Housatonic River. Each summer, Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) and Housatonic Valley Association (HVA) work together to remove trash from the West Branch of the Housatonic River. The West Branch is a beautiful stretch of the Housatonic River running south from Pontoosuc and Onota Lakes and joining with the East Branch on the south end of Pittsfield.

BEAT and HVA staff and volunteers have been taking to the river in waders, boots, and canoes to pull out trash and keep the river beautiful for several years now. Since beginning annual cleanups, our efforts have made a noticeable difference, with the piles of trash getting smaller — and that wouldn’t be possible without the help of volunteers. Join us to help support the health of our Housatonic River! REGISTER HERE.

We will meet at Wahconah Park in Pittsfield before cleanup teams disperse to nearby locations to gather miscellaneous trash from the river banks and bottom. Canoes will be used to transport the trash. Prepare to get wet and dirty. Old clothes, a hat, sunscreen, old sneakers or waterproof boots/waders, a full water bottle, and sunglasses are recommended. We will have a limited amount of waders and hip boots to loan out. We’ll finish cleaning up around noon and then eat some lunch, which will be provided for free to all volunteers. Please be sure to register to let us know if you have any dietary restrictions! 

DATE(S): Saturday, June 11 — Saturday, July 19 — Saturday, August 16

TIME: 9 AM to Noon (and lunch afterward)

LOCATION: Meet at Wahconah Park, 105 Wahconah St, Pittsfield, MA 01201

Please register here. Registering helps us prepare and ensures we have enough materials and food for everyone. 

For questions, email team@thebeatnews.org or call 413-464-9402.

Cleanups will be canceled in the event of pouring rain or thunder or if the river is too high from recent rainfall.

West Branch River Cleanups are organized by BEAT and HVA and co-sponsored by the City of Pittsfield and Panera.