Hundreds Participate in Neponset River Cleanup, Including Canton

CANTON, MA - On September 25, more than 400 volunteers spread out across 13 different locations in Norwood, Canton, Walpole, Quincy, Dorchester, Hyde Park, Mattapan and Milton to help clean up trash and debris along the Neponset River, its tributaries, and surrounding parks.

Managed by dedicated site captains and community leaders, the volunteers collected hundreds of pounds of trash in just a three-hour period. Included in the 402 trash bags of litter were bottles, cans, food packaging, plastics and masks.

There were many other items of interest that the volunteers pulled from the river and its surrounding areas, according to the Neponset River Watershed Association (NepRWA). More than 280 nip bottles, 92 tires, 51 hypodermic needles, three carpets, two shopping carts, and three bikes were hauled away. Other unusual items that the teams found were a drone, three dock floats, large pieces of Styrofoam, a large drill bit, a tent, five automobile seats, and a fender.

This year, the Neponset River cleanup included Bird Pond in East Walpole.

“Over 30 volunteers showed up in East Walpole for the first-ever cleanup of the Bird Pond section of the beautiful Neponset River," said site captain Virginia Ryan. "It was a wonderful crew, and we were very happy to have the help.”

“We are very fortunate to have so many volunteers that are willing to give up a Saturday morning to help clean up the River and surrounding areas,” said NepRWA Executive Director, Ian Cooke. “Every year that we do this, I am humbled by the number of people who show up to help out. It’s a great thing to see.”

He thanked the volunteers who participated in the cleanup, including the photographers who captured the event, Tom Palmer and Rafi Sofer. Photos of the Neponset River Cleanup can be found here.

Sponsors included presenting sponsor ENE Systems, Inc., GZA, Paddle Boston, and James G. Grant Co. Participating organizations included: the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), Hollingsworth and Vose, Belnel Family Neighborhood Association, Dorchester Running Club, East River Neighborhood Association, Caring Canton Citizens, Edgewater Drive Neighborhood Association, Friends of the Boston Harbor Walk, Milton DPW, Norwood DPW, Riverwalk Common Condominiums Association, Norwood Trails Committee, Walpole Trails Committee, Walpole DPW, Norfolk County Mosquito Control, and American Rivers.