BEAT Welcomes Volunteers to Housatonic River Cleanups

Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) and the Housatonic Valley Association (HVA) are inviting volunteers to take part in this year's Housatonic River West Branch Cleanups.

Over the years, volunteers have helped make a visible difference. The piles of trash collected each year have steadily shrunk, reflecting cleaner riverbanks and the ongoing commitment of community members who care about the river.

The West Branch of the Housatonic River flows south from Pontoosuc and Onota Lakes before joining the East Branch in Pittsfield. This stretch of the river supports wildlife and offers opportunities for fishing, paddling, and enjoying the outdoors. Removing litter from the river and its banks helps keep this important community resource healthy, clean, and safer. 

BEAT will host river cleanups on Saturday, June 27 and Saturday, July 25, with a rain date of August 22. Volunteers will meet at Westside Riverway Park, 181 Dewey Ave., Pittsfield, MA, at 9:00 AM before heading to cleanup sites along the river. Participants will return to Riverway Park at 12:00 PM, where lunch will be provided for all volunteers. Cleanup supplies will be provided. Volunteers are encouraged to wear sturdy footwear and clothing appropriate for outdoor conditions.

Volunteers are required to register for one or both cleanup days at:

https://tinyurl.com/Housatonic-River-Cleanups-2026

 


Tags: BEAT,   

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Weekend Outlook: Juneteenth and Pride Celebration

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

Check out the events happening this weekend including parades, parties and celebrations.

Editor's Choices

10th Annual Berkshire Pride Festival and Parade
The Common Park, Pittsfield
Time: Saturday, 11 a.m.

The 10th annual pride parade and festival with fun games, performances, food, and more.

More information here.

Berkshire Mountain Faerie Festival
Bowe Field, Adams
Time: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Visit the faerie realm in the Berkshires with food, music, activities, dancing and more. Tickets are sold at the gate for $12 and $5 for kids 12 and under.

More information here.

Juneteenth Celebration
Durant Park, Pittsfield
Time: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

March to the park starts at City Hall, followed by music, dance, food, history and more hosted by NAACP Berkshires. The event is free and open to everyone.

Find a full schedule of the day's events here.

Friday 

Switch and Snacks: Teen Programming
Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield
Time: 2:30 p.m.

Teens are invited to bring their Nintendo Switches; there also will be multiple games and snacks for kids to enjoy and have fun.

More information here.

Common Craft Night
165 East Main St., North Adams
Time: 6 to 9 p.m.

Bring your craft and work with other people that might be doing the same thing as you.

More information here.

Friday Karaoke 
Dalton American Legion
Time: 6 to 11 p.m.

Belt out some of your favorite tunes and show off your voice.

More information here.

Wine Parlor & Bites
Revival House, Adams
Time: 5:30 to 9 p.m.
 
The Revival House on Commercial Street is hosting chef Xavier Jones for a popup restaurant on Fridays and Saturdays in June. Limited menu; $5 reservation includes beverage. 
 
More information here

Saturday 

UNO Block Party
UNO Community Center, North Adams
Time: 4 to 6 p.m.

The annual neighborhood block party features music, games, food, and more activities to enjoy.

More information here.

Stacy Schiff on Samuel Adams
Adams Theater, Park Street
Time: 4 p.m.
 
In conversation with Sara Houghteling, Pulitzer Prize-winner Stacy Schiff will explore the origins of the American Revolution as detailed in her latest work, "The Revolutionary: Samuel Adams," for whom the town is named. Schiff is an Adams native and Williams College graduate. 
 
Tickets and more information here

Scenic Summer Tours
Mount Greylock, Adams
Time: 1 to 3:30 p.m.

Enjoy a free tour with a park interpreter to learn about Mount Greylock's history and more that make the Summit popular.

More information here.

View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories