We’re heading into the west branch of the Housatonic River, with our waders on and our canoe in tow, for our annual river cleanups!

Cleanups make a considerable difference in the health of the Housatonic River. Over the years, BEAT and Housatonic Valley Association (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, we even found an empty ATM.

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 our volunteers. Join us to help support the health of our Housatonic River!

We will meet at Wahconah Park in Pittsfield before separating into groups and dispersing to nearby locations, gathering miscellaneous trash from the river banks and bottom. Canoes will be used to transport the trash. We’ll finish cleaning up around noon and then eat some lunch, which will be provided for free to all participants. Please register here. Registering helps us prepare and ensures we have enough materials and food for everyone. 

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 may have a few pairs of waders or hip boots to loan. If you’re interested in borrowing a pair, let us know through the registration form.

DATE: Sunday, June 9 (rain date June 29) — Saturday, July 13* — Saturday, August 10*

TIME: 9 AM to Noon (and lunch afterward)

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

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

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

Each summer, BEAT is proud to partner with the Housatonic Valley Association (HVA) to remove trash from the West Branch of the Housatonic River. The West Branch is a beautiful stretch of the river running south from Pontoosuc Lake and Onota Lake to join with the East Branch on the south end of Pittsfield. BEAT and HVA staff and volunteers take to the river in waders, boots, and canoes to pull out trash and keep the river beautiful.

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