Star volunteer organizes hundreds on behalf of the Green River

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 24, 2013

Greenfield, MA– 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.

One of the Cleanup’s star leaders is David Boles of Greenfield, MA. As the volunteer organizer of the Deerfield River Watershed Association – Friends of the Green River cleanup group, Boles is celebrating his 10^th year organizing one of the biggest cleanup groups of the event. Every year Boles is able to rally hundreds of area residents to haul debris and trash from the Green River. His cleanup sets the standards for a well-run and fun event. Participants are treated to food and music after their work hauling, sorting, and disposing of what is now totaling tons of debris.

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. “Among our many volunteers, David is a real standout. He is a terrific community leader who cares passionately about his home river. He inspires others to get involved and helps 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 Lane Construction Corporation has been participating in the Source to Sea Cleanup since 2006, and our efforts are growing each year. We are planning to work with David again this year on the Green River,” says Meagan Sylvia, Lane Environmental Manager. “Lane employees and their families look forward to taking part in this annual event because it’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors, show appreciation for the Connecticut River and its tributaries—and to make a real difference.” Lane Construction Corporation is one of the lead sponsors of the Source to Sea Cleanup this year and they assist the community-organized groups by providing Lane equipment, trucks, gloves, trash bags and employees who are eager to lend a helping hand. Other lead sponsors are Brookfield Renewable Energy Group, NRG Middletown Power 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 join the Green River cleanup, contact group leader David Boles at greenrdb@gmail.com or 413-772-2020. To find one of the many other 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.