Community Corner

Protecting the RIvers

Volunteers needed for OARS annual river cleanup.

OARS is hosting its yearly "party for the rivers," and is looking for volunteers to help clean up the local waterways. OARS' Outreach Coordinator Carla Gomez shared the following information with us about the upcoming event.

OARS, the watershed organization for the Assabet, Sudbury and Concord rivers, will hold its 25th Annual River Cleanup on 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 trash, tires, bottles, car parts, bicycles — whatever should not be there — for appropriate disposal. Local public works departments will assist in the removal of all the refuse that is pulled from the rivers and shoreline. 

In April 2011, OARS — formerly The Organization for the Assabet River — expanded its mission to . 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 an unprecedented 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.

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“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.

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“A quarter-century of cleanups has made a tremendous difference to the Assabet — but there is always more to do,” said. “The cleanup is an opportunity for all to lend a hand to enhance the beauty of these very special places.”

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 you to join in this meaningful community event. Details and meeting locations will be available on our website, www.oars3rivers.org. To volunteer, please contact the OARS office at (978) 369-3956, or at office@oars3rivers.org.


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