Region – OARS, the watershed organization for the Assabet, Sudbury and Concord rivers, will hold its 25th Annual River Cleanup Saturday, Sept. 17 from 9 a.m. to noon. OARS volunteers will continue the effort to restore the Assabet, Sudbury and Concord rivers and local streams by removing trash from the shores and waters. They will haul out trash, tires, bottles, car parts, bicycles – whatever should not be there – for appropriate disposal. Local departments of Public Works assist in the removal of the refuse pulled from the rivers and shoreline.
In April 2011, OARS (formerly the Organization for the Assabet River, OAR) expanded its mission to include the Sudbury and Concord rivers. OARS seeks to protect, preserve and enhance the natural and recreational features of all three rivers, their tributaries, and watersheds. This year's cleanup will target 11 communities: Acton, Billerica, Concord, Framingham, Hudson, Marlborough, Maynard, Northborough, Stow, Wayland and Westborough. The cleanup will be followed by a pizza celebration in each of the communities.
“After a morning of dirty – but satisfying – work, you will have made a visible difference in your community,” OARS Development Director Julia Khorana said. “In the words of a young volunteer, “it's a party for the rivers.””
The annual event has become a regional tradition for individuals and teams from local businesses, civic groups, Scout troops and high schools.
“A quarter-century of cleanups has made a tremendous difference to the Assabet – but there is always more to do,” OARS Executive Director of Alison Field-Juma said. “The cleanup is an opportunity for all to lend a hand to enhance the beauty of these very special places.”
The OARS Annual Cleanup is possible thanks to the support of over 30 local businesses. Major sponsors include AstraZeneca, Carlisle & Company, Digital Federal Credit Union, and Intel.
OARS invites all local residents to join in this meaningful community event. Details and meeting locations will be available on the website at www.oars3rivers.org. To volunteer, contact the OARS office at 978-369-3956, or [email protected].
