LEBANON — Help keep one of the Upper Valley’s rivers prosperous from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28, during a cleanup effort that will focus on the portion of the Mascoma River that runs through Lebanon and West Lebanon.
“The Mascoma River is the source of drinking water for the city of Lebanon so it’s really important that we maintain it properly,” said Kathie Romano, a member of the Mascoma River Local Advisory Committee.
Volunteers are asked to meet at 8 a.m. at Riverside Park on Glen Road in Lebanon. The volunteer committee will provide doughnuts, coffee, trash bags and rubber gloves.
People can form their own groups ahead of time or join one the day of the event. Groups will then be assigned a section of the river to work on.
Those interested are encouraged to register in advance by emailing Bill Chabot at bill.chabot@gmail.com.
Volunteers should wear shoes that are appropriate for wading or walking along the river and bring a canoe or small boat if they have one.
“At this time of the year, the river is really low so sometimes you’re dragging the canoe through the river,” Romano said.
The event is held rain or shine. This year’s cleanup is taking place the same weekend as the annual Source to Sea Cleanup of the Connecticut River. The 34-mile Mascoma River — which begins at Cummins Pond in Dorchester and winds its way through Canaan, Enfield, Lebanon and West Lebanon — empties into the Connecticut River.
The advisory committee supports the 25.3 miles of the river that runs through Canaan, Enfield, Lebanon and West Lebanon that are protected under the New Hampshire Rivers Management and Protection Program.
“It can be a fun event for families to come out and contribute to keeping the river clean,” Romano said.
Liz Sauchelli can be reached at esauchelli@vnews.com or 603-727-3221.
