GREENFIELD, Mass. (AP) — The annual four-state effort to remove trash from the 410-mile Connecticut River is still going on this year, but with some changes because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Rather that the usual two-day event, the 24th annual Connecticut River Conservancy’s Source to Sea Cleanup is a month-long event that will last all September so volunteers can practice safe social distancing.
“The Source to Sea Cleanup strengthens community while cleaning up our rivers and streams. It’s an opportunity for you to make a difference,” conservancy Executive Director Andrew Fisk said in a statement.
The event involves thousands of volunteers cleaning the river and its tributaries on foot or by boat in New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts and Connecticut.
Last year, more than 3,600 volunteers hauled in nearly 67 tons of trash, from recyclable bottles and cans, fishing equipment and food waste to tires, televisions, and even refrigerators.
Since the event started, volunteers have removed more than 1,167 tons of trash.
Volunteers for this year’s event are encouraged to form their own small cleaning crew with family or people they already know, and wear gloves and masks.
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