MORE THAN 2,500 VOLUNTEERS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS MAKE A DIFFERENCE AT THE 8^th ANNUAL EARTH DAY CHARLES RIVER CLEANUP

The “dirty water” gets a spring cleaning in the state’s largest Earth Day Event.

Boston – On Saturday April 21^st, 2007, more than two thousand five hundred volunteers and community leaders will join forces to clean the banks of 80-mile Charles River at the 8^th Annual Earth Day Charles River Cleanup.

Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Ian Bowles, Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Commissioner Priscilla Geigis, Senator Diane Wilkerson, and Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Arleen O’Donnell will kick off the state’s largest Earth Day event at the Hatch Shell on the Charles River Esplanade with more than 2,500 volunteers, including local school children, college students, church groups, and scout groups, joining them to pick up trash, debris, and other objects from the banks of the river in an effort to improve the river’s health and make it more beautiful. “For eight years running, the Annual Earth Day Charles River Cleanup has involved hundreds of volunteers in an effort to improve wildlife habitat, water quality and recreational opportunities by picking up trash in and around the Charles River. This is precisely the kind of thing Governor Patrick has in mind when he speaks about the importance of civic engagement,” said Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Ian Bowles. “It’s a great way to usher in Earth Day, and I’m honored to be part of it.”

U.S. Senator John Kerry is also participating in this year’s Cleanup, helping out along with other volunteers at Herter Park in Brighton. “The Charles River Earth Day Cleanup event is an excellent way to improve the local environment we share. No matter what the song says, we don’t have to ‘love that dirty water,’ we can make it clean. The hard work of all the volunteers will benefit the health of the river and the wildlife habitat surrounding it. I am proud to be part of the activities and I commend the Charles River Watershed Association for sponsoring this event,” said Senator Kerry.

Underscoring the importance of the river in years past and protecting it today, State Senator Steven A. Tolman will again help with this year’s event. “I am always pleased that so many people turnout and participate in the Charles River Cleanup each year,” said Tolman.  “The Charles River is an integral part of the Boston community and we owe it to future generations to preserve and protect this great resource.”

One of the largest single-day river cleanups in the country, the event is organized by Charles River Watershed Association, MASSPIRG Student Chapters, The Esplanade Association, Charles River Stream Team, Charles River Conservancy, State Senator Steven Tolman’s Office, and the City of Newton. 

After the cleanup, volunteers will be treated to a performance by the Evan Goodrow Trio at DCR’s Artesani Playground Park in Allston-Brighton. Free food and beverage are provided for the participants. The entertainment will cap off a productive and rewarding day beautifying one of Boston’s and Eastern Massachusetts’ premier attractions. All volunteers will receive a T-shirt designed by Massachusetts College of Art student Ray Heekin. 

Material and financial contributions for the Charles River Cleanup were provided by: Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation; Abt Associates, AMB Property Corporation, Boston University, Building 19, Charles River Yacht Club, Charlesgate Yacht Club, Clif Bar, Community Rowing, Inc., DonTheGlove.com, Draper Laboratory, The Durkin Company, Equity Residential, Finagle a Bagel, Genzyme, Harvard University, Hyatt Regency, Cambridge, Marriott Hotel, Newton, MIT, Massachusetts State Lottery, Museum of Science, New Balance, Northeastern University, Pfizer, Roche Bros. Supermarkets, Royal Sonesta Hotel, Cambridge, Stop and Shop Supermarkets, Trader Joe's Cambridge, Triumvirate Environmental, Watertown Community Foundation, and Whole Foods Market.