Woodstock — Groups across Vermont, including one in Woodstock, are looking for volunteers to help with cleanups in September, as part of the state’s official River Cleanup Month.

Last year, participants hauled 16,000 pounds of trash from rivers and shorelines during 30 cleanups, according to a news release from Watersheds United Vermont, which is helping to coordinate the events.

Local efforts include a cleanup at the riverfront park on Maxham Meadow Way in Woodstock. Sponsored by Sustainable Woodstock, it’s set for Sept. 24 from 9 a.m.-noon.

Volunteers will pull loosestrife and other invasives from the riparian buffer and remove metal debris left from Tropical Storm Irene. To RSVP, email eastend@sustainablewoodstock.org.

Many Vermonters are concerned about clean water, and river cleanups are a great way to get involved and make a visible difference in the health of their local river, said Lyn Munno, the watershed organization’s director.

Volunteers “are critical in removing shopping carts, plastic bottles and tires from our waters,” Munno said. “Spending just a few hours one weekend picking up trash from a river can make a big difference.”

To organize a cleanup or join one that is already scheduled, go to www.watershedsunitedvt.org.

Events will be added throughout the month.            — Staff report