MORE THAN 2,500 VOLUNTEERS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS MAKE A DIFFERENCE AT THE 9th ANNUAL EARTH DAY CHARLES RIVER CLEANUP

The Charles get a fresh look for spring in the state’s largest Earth Day Event.

 Boston – On Saturday April 26th, 2008, more than two thousand five hundred volunteers and community leaders joined forces to clean the banks of 80-mile Charles River at the 9th Annual Earth Day Charles River Cleanup.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) New England Regional Administrator Robert Varney and Secretary of the MA Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Ian Bowles kicked 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.

"We are lucky to live in an area where so many people care about a clean environment, and are willing to take some of their own time to lend a helping hand," said Robert Varney of the EPA.  "The Charles River is a fantastic source of recreation and renewal for our urban population, and I am proud to be counted among those who are working for a cleaner, healthier river."

Underscoring the importance of the river in years past and protecting it today, State Senator Steven A. Tolman again helped with this year’s event. “I am always pleased that so many people turn out 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 was organized by Charles River Watershed Association, The Esplanade Association, Charles River Conservancy, State Senator Steven Tolman’s Office, the City of Newton, The Trustees of Reservations, Emerald Necklace Conservancy, and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).

After the cleanup, volunteers gathered at Artesani Playground Park in Allston-Brighton, where free food and beverage were provided for the participants. The picnic finished off a productive and rewarding day beautifying one of Boston’s and Eastern Massachusetts’ premier attractions. All volunteers received a T-shirt designed by Massachusetts College of Art student Sarah Kim.

Material and financial contributions for the Charles River Cleanup were provided by: New Balance Foundation, Massachusetts State Lottery, Triumvirate Environmental, Abt Associates, American Rivers, Bernardi’s Accura, Boston Sand and Gravel, Boston University, Brandeis University, Building 19, Charles River Yacht Club, Clean Harbors Environmental Services, Clif Bar, Community Rowing, Inc., Dontheglove.com, Doubletree Guest Suites, Draper Laboratory, Dunkin’ Donuts, The Durkin Company, Equity Residential, Finagle A Bagel, Genzyme, Harvard University, Hyatt Regency Cambridge, John Harvard’s Brew House, Marriott Hotel Newton, Metcalf & Eddy/AECOM, MIT, Mix 98.5, Museum of Science, Northeastern University, Patagonia, Pfizer Inc., Roche Bros. Supermarkets, Starbucks, Stop and Shop Supermarkets, Royal Sonesta Hotel, Watertown Community Foundation and Whole Foods Market.