30 Years Strong: Connecticut River Conservancy Invites Volunteers to the Annual Source to Sea Cleanup

The Connecticut River Conservancy's (CRC) Source to Sea Cleanup is celebrating a major milestone this year. Marking its 30th anniversary, the watershed-wide volunteer event returns September 18-19, with flexible cleanup opportunities that allow groups and individuals to choose the day that works best for them.

The annual effort brings together thousands of volunteers to remove litter and debris from rivers, streambanks, parks, and communities throughout the entire Connecticut River watershed—including the tributaries that feed the mainstem river in NH, VT, MA, and CT. The goal is simple but powerful: keep trash out of local waterways.

Registration is open for Group Leaders and Volunteers at SourceToSeaCleanup.org.

What began in 1996 as a grassroots cleanup organized by a dedicated group of river advocates has evolved into one of the largest volunteer-driven environmental events in the region. For three decades, people of all ages have come together around a shared commitment to clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities.

Today, businesses, schools, municipalities, nonprofits, community organizations, families, and individual volunteers participate in cleanups across the watershed, collectively making a visible and lasting difference. Since formal data collection began in 1999, volunteers have documented the removal of over 2.6 million lbs. of trash, including 14,849 tires, 336,073 beverage containers, and 410,145 lbs. of scrap metal.  The true total is likely much higher, as not all cleanup groups submit detailed data.

Group Leaders organize cleanup events at locations where trash has been identified as a concern, while volunteers contribute their time and energy to remove litter from the landscape. Municipal partners play an important role by providing dumpsters, waiving disposal fees, or collecting bagged trash once cleanups are complete.

In addition to removing waste, participants help gather valuable data. Trash tallies recorded after each cleanup are added to CRC's long-running database, providing important information that supports pollution prevention efforts, restoration projects, public education, and advocacy throughout the watershed. The event also frequently draws participation from local elected officials and community leaders.

Last year's Source to Sea Cleanup engaged 126 volunteer groups and more than 2,000 participants across all four watershed states. Together, they removed more than 35 tons of trash from rivers and riverside areas, totaling over 70,000 pounds of debris.

CRC provides cleanup supplies to volunteers, such as gloves and trash bags, and offers a variety of resources on the Source to Sea Cleanup website, including a planning guide, safety information, required forms, and tips for hosting a successful cleanup.

"The Source to Sea Cleanup is an opportunity to get outside, work alongside your neighbors, and make a direct impact on the health of our rivers," said CRC Cleanup Coordinator Stacey Lennard. "Every piece of trash picked up is one less item headed into a storm drain, river, or ultimately the ocean. Small actions add up, and together volunteers help protect the waterways and communities we all depend on."

Group Leaders looking for a cleanup location can explore CRC's map of adoptable trash sites or select their own location by submitting a "Report a Trash Site" form. Parks, boat launches, neighborhood gathering spots, downtown streets, trails, and other community spaces are all excellent options. Because litter often travels through stormwater systems before reaching rivers and streams, even cleaning up a city sidewalk can help protect downstream wildlife and water quality.

Thirty years after the first Source to Sea Cleanup, the mission remains the same: people coming together to protect and improve the waterways that connect communities across the Connecticut River watershed.

The Connecticut River Conservancy would also like to thank the following sponsors for supporting this initiative – in some cases for many years! Presenting sponsors in 2026 are U.S.A. Waste & Recycling Inc., All American Waste, and the Antonacci Family Foundation. With additional support from Eversource, The Walker Group, Hypertherm HOPE Foundation, Berkshire Home Company, and many other local businesses and organizations that help make this event possible.  

For more information, visit Sourcetoseacleanup.org 

To sign up as a Group Leader, start with the Cleanup Sites Map here.

For any questions about getting involved, contact Stacey Lennard at cleanup@ctriver.org.