Muddy River Cleanup
Description
The Muddy River Cleanup is a part of the Annual Earth Day Charles River Cleanup; this event takes place throughout the Charles River Watershed and builds on a national effort as part of American Rivers’ National River Cleanup® which, to date, has removed over 25 million pounds of trash from America’s waterways. From 2016 to 2019, the Annual Earth Day Charles River Cleanup was recognized by American Rivers for the Most Pounds of Trash Collected and Most Volunteers Mobilized.?
The Charles River Cleanup brings together over 3,000 volunteers each year to pick up litter, remove invasive species and assist with park maintenance along all 80 miles of the Charles River. Residents are drawn to the popular Charles River Cleanup from a desire to give back to their community while enjoying the beauty and wildlife along the river. Volunteers hold onto the connections they establish during this day of stewardship by returning to the Charles to exercise, play and enjoy nature throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What supplies are provided for the cleanup?
Trash bags, gloves, and trash grabbers (depending on site and availability) will be provided. All tools that have to be returned will be sanitized before and after the event. At the completion of the cleanup, volunteers will stack the trash, which will be collected by municipal public works departments or the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. Each volunteer team will fill out a form reporting how many pounds of trash they collected and what items they found.
Is there a rain date?
The Muddy River Cleanup will be held rain or shine! However, we will make a judgement call in extreme weather situations and will work with volunteers to reschedule them for another date and time to participate in the cleanup in the event we must cancel.
Where can I get more information about a specific cleanup site event?
Once your registration is confirmed for a specific site and date, you will be sent an email on details of your specific cleanup site, including public transit and vehicular navigation, the best areas to park, where to meet, and general health and safety guidelines.
If you need specific information prior to registration, please email volunteer@emeraldnecklace.org.
How can I sign up as a non-profit or school group?
While we suggest a donation for non-profits and schools to help support the execution of this event, we want all who wish to participate in the cleanup to be able to and can work with non-profits and schools on a special rate. To inquire, please contact Alyx Britton at abritton@emeraldnecklace.org and include “Muddy River Cleanup [Non-Profit or School]: [Insert Group Name Here]†in the subject line.
If you have further questions, please contact volunteer@emeraldnecklace.org and include “Muddy River Cleanup Question†in the subject line.
What's Needed To Complete
What to bring: Long pants, closed toe shoes, hat, all weather clothing, snack, sunscreen and a water bottle.Â
What is provided:Â All necessary tools, gloves and instruction.
Special Requirements
Volunteers 13 and younger must be accompanied by their parent or guardian for the duration of the event.Â
How It Makes A Difference
Volunteers are a critical part of the Emerald Necklace Conservancy's strategy to keep the parks clean and beautiful for all. Last year, nearly 900 volunteers donated their time, energy and care to remove ~6,780 lbs. of trash and organic debris from the Emerald Necklace!
Where to Serve
In-Person/On Site
Location
Find us easily on the map!