Connecticut River Conservancy’s Source to Sea Cleanup

On September 25 and 26, 2020, along with thousands of others up and down the Connecticut River, SLR/MMI’s Springfield and Vermont offices picked up trash along the banks of the river and its tributaries. The Connecticut River, which is the longest river in New England, flows 410 miles from Quebec, Canada to the Long Island Sound in Connecticut. The Connecticut River watershed encompasses 11,260 square miles, connecting 148 tributaries, including 38 major rivers and numerous lakes and ponds. It is home to many wildlife species, including bear, moose, bobcat, wild turkey, bald eagle, trout, shad, and 10 federally threatened or endangered species.

Wheels, tires, scrap metal, bottles, wrappers, and cans were plentiful along the banks and in the rivers. It was a gorgeous fall day for trash picking. The Vermont office cleaned the Ompompanoosuc River in Post Mills, Vermont. This site was chosen by the SLR/MMI team because they are currently designing a dam removal at the cleanup location. A landowner regaled the Vermont team with stories about growing up working in the mills that the dam used to power. The team was happy to find a rubber ducky, an old fishing pole, and a squeaky toy that was regifted to Jessica Louisos’ dog. (In addition to all the debris gathered in the photo above!) The Springfield group cleaned up at Slim Shad Point in Holyoke, Massachusetts. The team chose this site because the all-accessible ramp leading down to a lovely viewing spot at the river’s edge was designed and landscaped by some of the team members. The group was happy to leave it a little cleaner than how it was found!