Looking for an active and meaningful way to celebrate Earth Day right here in our community? You can have a direct impact on our local waters by joining stream clean-ups happening in Amenia and Dover on Saturday, April 22nd.
Volunteers are needed to walk portions of stream banks on the Wassaic Creek, Ten Mile River and more, removing trash and litter that – without your help – could wind up in our waters.
The event is being hosted and promoted by Housatonic Valley Association, Mid-Hudson Trout Unlimited, the Town of Amenia Conservation Advisement Committee (CAC) and the Town of Dover CAC.
“Each Spring, for decades, Mid Hudson Trout Unlimited members have picked up trash at the fishing access areas along the Ten Mile and Swamp Rivers in Dover and Amenia,” says MHTU’s Don Jiskra. “A real spirit of camaraderie and friendship has developed within our force of intrepid trash pickers!”
“HVA is thrilled to join with such a dedicated team of partners and volunteers for the first time this year,” says Carolyn Klocker, HVA’s New York watershed manager. “The Ten Mile region is one of the most diverse and healthy parts of the Housatonic watershed and together, we’re going to keep it that way.”
The events are “rain or shine,” so volunteers should dress accordingly. Please wear sturdy boots and appropriate clothing (long sleeves and pants are best). Gloves, tools and bags will be provided.
Teams will begin promptly at 9 a.m., starting from two locations:
AMENIA
Meet-up Location: Borden Park in Wassaic - located at the intersection of Furnace Bank Road & Main St in Wassaic (across from Maxon Mill)
DOVER
Meet-up Location: Wingdale Elementary School, 6413 S.R. 55
If prior years are any indicator, the cleanups should be complete by approximately 12 noon for both groups.
For more information, contact Carolyn Klocker – cklocker@outlook.com, (845-422-1039).
About the Housatonic Valley Association (HVA)
HVA is the watershed conservation organization and accredited land trust uniquely dedicated to conserving the natural character and environmental health of the entire 1,948-square-mile Housatonic Watershed, from the headwaters in western Massachusetts, through eastern New York’s Ten Mile watershed and western Connecticut to Long Island Sound. Since its founding over 75 years ago, HVA has worked closely and effectively with local, regional, state and national partners to conserve lands and waters for this and future generations. Visit hvatoday.org for more information.
About Trout Unlimited
Trout Unlimited is America’s largest and oldest sportsmen’s organization dedicated to conservation of trout and salmon. Since 1959, Trout Unlimited and our 450 chapters nationwide have worked to conserve, protect, restore and sustain cold water habitat, trout and salmon populations, and angling opportunities.
<attachments: event flyer and photo from 2016 cleanup. Photo caption: Volunteers in last year’s cleanup show off their “catch.” >
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