Each spring, volunteers collect hundreds of pounds of trash along the Westfield River. On
April 21, the next river clean up is slated. (Photo submitted)
WESTFIELD-The Great River Bridge will be the launch point on April 21 for the Westfield River Watershed Association’s annual spring river clean up in conjunction with Earth Day.
Earth Day – first celebrated in 1970 – is the world’s largest environmental movement, involving more than 1 billion people annually. Now spanning 193 countries, individuals demonstrate their support for environmental protections and, in particular, an end to plastic pollution.
Mark Damon is coordinating the logistics for the Westfield clean up, while Sheryl Becker will be in charge of volunteers meeting at Pynchon Point in Agawam. Volunteers are asked to meet by 9 a.m. for orientation and a site assignment. Volunteers in Westfield are asked to meet at the public parking lot off Meadow Street at the south end of the Great River Bridge; volunteers in Agawam are asked to meet at the South End Bridge Circle on River Road.
Damon and Becker are both members of the association’s board of directors.
“Some years ago (more than I care to remember), I learned that the word ecology derives from the Greek word oikos, meaning house,” said Damon. “This planet is our house, and we need to maintain it.”
Damon noted it is easy for individuals to get caught up in work, bills, and family obligations, however, we need to be reminded we are connected to the earth, its air, water, soil and wildlife.
“Earth Day’s real importance lies not in the one day, but in inspiring people to notice and care for what’s around them,” said Damon.
Damon added that the river clean up is a good place to start.
“Too often, when we do stop and look, the environmental problems can seem overwhelming,” he said. “The river clean up is a chance to do something tangible, and you can see the fruits of your labor right away.”
In Westfield and Agawam, volunteers will be provided with gloves and other supplies, however, if individuals have their own work gloves and a re-usable water bottle they are encouraged to bring them.
Last April, volunteers hauled hundreds of pounds of trash from the Westfield site which was picked up by the city’s Department of Public Works, according to Damon. “There’s always a lot of bags of small stuff, along with tires,” said Damon, noting that his group amassed 33 bags while the Agawam volunteers filled 40 bags.
Damon added that in addition to the “small stuff,” items dredged from the river included car parts, shopping carts, siding and carpeting.
“In the past, items have included furniture, a mannequin, an air rifle, and in the last few years, an occasional hypodermic needle,” said Damon.
Damon is hopeful that 30 to 35 volunteers will participate in next month’s environmental efforts. “I hope that the river clean up moves people to keep going, to do more every day, and to know that they can make a difference,” he said.
For more information on the clean up that will run to 1 p.m., visit www.westfieldriver.org or contact Damon at (413) 977-1577 or Becker at (413) 374-1921. In the event of severe weather, April 22 will be the alternate date.
