National River Cleanup Season Begins

American Rivers, the nation’s voice for healthy rivers and clean water, announced the kickoff of National River Cleanup May 23. For over two decades, this program has mobilized hundreds of thousands of volunteers to pick up trash from rivers nationwide.

Healthy rivers provide major benefits like clean drinking water, wildlife habitat and recreation opportunities. Unfortunately, millions of tons of trash—including plastic bags, old tires and large appliances—end up in our rivers and streams each year.

National River Cleanup provides an excellent way for people to improve river health and give back to their communities, especially this year—the 40th anniversary of the landmark Clean Water Act.

“Rivers connect us to each other, to nature, and to future generations. It is wonderful to see so many people across the country taking action to protect and restore their rivers and clean water,” said Bob Irvin, president of American Rivers.

Why hold a river cleanup? Lynsey Knowles, National River Cleanup campaign manager for American Rivers offers these top five reasons:

1.    Protect clean water 
2.    Provide safer recreational opportunities 
3.    Create educational opportunities for volunteers on local river issues 
4.    Beautify the community and increase property values 
5.    Inspire action and build community involvement in river protection

The American Rivers website offers materials for cleanup organizers and volunteers, including an organizer’s handbook, interactive map with river cleanup details, educational information and customizable outreach materials. Volunteers can find a river cleanup in their backyard and additional information at www.AmericanRivers.org/Cleanup.

The online handbook provides people interested in organizing their own cleanups with comprehensive information on everything they will need to know.

The National River Cleanup Program is sponsored by Boulder Canyon Natural Foods, Cox Enterprises, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters and REI. These companies have made a long-term commitment to American Rivers’ work to protect and restore rivers across the country.