Connecticut – Leading the way to cleaner rivers: Local groups tackle trash, tires and more

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 24, 2013

Middletown, CT– Local cleanup group leaders all along the Connecticut River are busy planning for the 17^th annual Source to Sea Cleanup to be held October 4 & 5. Hosted by the Connecticut River Watershed Council (CRC), the Source to Sea Cleanup is an annual trash clean up of the Connecticut River and its tributaries along the four-state watershed (NH, VT, MA, CT). Volunteers clean along rivers, streams and stream banks, parks, boat launches, trails and more.

“We want to recognize the many groups whose local efforts year after year are having a positive impact along the whole 410+ mile Connecticut River and tributaries,” says Jacqueline Talbot, CRC Cleanup Coordinator. “Some really unbelievable things have been pulled from our rivers, such as a cement mixer, parking meters, propane tanks and junk cars. Without their dedication, this would not be possible. They inspire others to get involved and help form lasting connections to the river, while also sending the message that trash doesn’t belong in nature and that our rivers and trails are worth protecting.”

The Farmington River Watershed Association in Simsbury, CT has been cleaning up trash in their region for 26 years. The Scantic River Watershed Association near Enfield, CT has hauled 133 tons of trash over 13 years, while the MDC and partner conservation groups have been cleaning trash in Wethersfield Cove for about the same length of time. The Rocky Hill High School Lend-a-Paw Cleanup has been engaging students in protecting their environment since 2000 while the Hockanum River Linear Park Committee near Manchester, CT has been stewarding 16 miles of trails three times a week, year-round, since 1970. “These are just a few of the many cleanup groups in Connecticut who do great work and leave the region cleaner over time,” says Talbot.

“NRG Energy is proud to be a lead sponsor of the Source to Sea Cleanup for the sixth year in a row” says Plant Manager Jeff Araujo of NRG’s Middletown, CT Station. “And our people really enjoy participating in the cleanup, too. By both sponsoring and volunteering, we hope to make a real difference in helping keep this beautiful river as clean as it can be.” Other lead sponsors are Brookfield Renewable Energy Group, Lane Construction Corporation and TransCanada.

This year, more than 65 registered groups are organizing over 2,000 volunteers to clean up trash from northern New Hampshire & Vermont to the Long Island Sound. To find one of the many cleanup groups in your area visit http://ctriver.org/projects/source-to-sea-cleanup/join-a-group/.

The Connecticut River Watershed Council has been an advocate for the 11,000 square-mile watershed of the Connecticut River since 1952. CRC is a non-profit organization supported by individual members, public and private foundations, corporate sponsors and government grants. To learn more about CRC, or to make a contribution to help protect the Connecticut River, visit ctriver.org or call 413-772-2020.

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Photos available on request – contact Angela Mrozinski, CRC Outreach & Events Director amrozinski@ctriver.org.

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