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! 

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. We'll finish cleaning up around noon and then eat some lunch, which will be provided for free to all participants.

DATES: Saturday, August 10

TIME: 9 AM – 1 PM (cleaning up will end around noon)

LOCATION: Meet at Westside Riverway Park, 181 Dewey Ave, Pittsfield, MA 01201

Volunteers should be prepared to get wet and dirty. Old clothes, a hat, sunscreen, old sneakers or waterproof boots/waders, a full water bottle, and sunglasses are recommended. If you'd like to help without entering the river, we can use help with the documentation and data collection of the trash we find!

In the case of pouring rain or thunderstorms, the cleanup will be canceled. We will email registrants if that decision is made.

Email team@thebeatnews.org with any questions.