The Source to Sea Cleanup has provided a valuable service to the Connecticut River Valley since its 1997 inception. And it can provide receipts. Nearly 40,000 volunteers have removed 1,100 tons of trash, almost 14,000 tires and 144,000 beverage containers in hopes of ensuring cleaner water and healthier habitats through the 410-mile watershed in Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Connecticut. The annual event has long been held in conjunction with the Green River Cleanup, formed 21 years ago and a part of the larger Franklin County Rivers Cleanup, and this year’s collaborative effort is scheduled for the weekend of Sept. 28.

“Lots of enthusiasm is building for this year’s cleanup,” said Diana Chaplin, the Connecticut River Conservancy’s director of communications. “Not only is this a great way to make a positive impact for our rivers and habitats, it’s also a genuinely fun experience to gather with community members, share stories and work together for a shared goal.” At least 80 groups have registered throughout the watershed this time around, and the nonprofit Connecticut River Conservancy had participation from at least 100 groups and 1,000 volunteers in 2023. Those numbers are expected to be exceeded this year. Anyone who is interested can register for the Green River Cleanup at tinyurl.com/b6kwbaes. All Source to Sea Cleanup sites are available for viewing on a map at tinyurl.com/58b5nt26.

The cleanup is a family affair for some, including Erving resident Susan Sharbaugh and her granddaughter Gracie Rosenberg. Sharbaugh said she got involved at least 20 years ago because she is passionate about the health of the county’s rivers. She has made the cleanup an annual habit and invited Rosenberg about 10 years ago. “She was very excited to help out,” Sharbaugh said, adding that she did not have to convince her granddaughter. “Her comment was, ‘Absolutely! I’ll be there to help.’” Rosenberg, 20, said she jumped at the chance to volunteer alongside her grandmother and she immediately noticed the difference it made in the community.

Article continues after… Yesterday’s Most Read Articles “I get great satisfaction. I get to go out with a bunch of great people,” she said. “I enjoy it every year, I really do.” The environment is a particular concern and passion for Rosenberg, who is studying biology at Greenfield Community College. She said she has pulled countless tires out of the watershed and once found a purse containing an ID that she gave to the police. Last year, Sharbaugh, 81, said she and Rosenberg were assigned to clean up the area surrounding the former Railroad Salvage building in Turners Falls. “It was a big job for my granddaughter and myself,” she recalled. “It took about three hours.”

* The Green River Cleanup is a yearly event that takes place in Greenfield, Indiana. * The cleanup involves volunteers removing trash and debris from the river. * The cleanup is organized by David Boles, a resident of Greenfield. * The cleanup has been running for 21 years and has seen an average of 250 to 300 volunteers each year.

“It made me want to stay here and [realize] how lucky we are, because this [quality] doesn’t exist in 90% of the rest of the country,” he said. Boles mentioned the Green River consists of excellent water when it comes into north Greenfield, but it becomes heavily polluted by the time it discharges into the Deerfield River. He said Greenfield residents get 35% of their potable water from the Green River. Green River Cleanup volunteers will meet up at the Green River Swimming and Recreation Area on Nash’s Mill Road in Greenfield at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28. Local schools and businesses will participate the day prior. Coffee, doughnuts, lunch and music by The Boys of the Landfill will be provided. There will also be beer tasting for adults and crafting activities for children.

Participants are encouraged to wear long pants, gloves, boots or sturdy shoes, bring refillable water bottles, and use tick repellent. Participants should be aware of the activity’s potential risks and take appropriate precautions. **Detailed Text:**

The safety and well-being of participants are paramount in any outdoor activity.

and the Town Hall at 100 Main St. in the town of Greenfield. The bags are available for residents of Greenfield, Massachusetts. They are designed to help reduce the amount of waste going to landfills. The bags are made of a special material that allows them to be recycled. The bags are available in various sizes, including small, medium, and large.

(FirstLight), is responsible for ensuring that the company’s operations comply with all applicable laws and regulations. FirstLight is a privately owned company that operates hydroelectric power plants in the United States. FirstLight’s mission is to provide clean, reliable, and affordable energy to its customers.

Sites in need of attention can be reported via tinyurl.com/nhdv9npm. Reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com or 413-930-4120.