AGAWAM/WESTFIELD –  The Westfield River Watershed Association will host two river cleanups during the weekend of Sept. 26, one in Agawam and one in Westfield.

Sheryl Becker, who is leading and organizing the Agawam cleanup, said typically cleanups take place both in the spring and the fall. However, they were forced to cancel the cleanup in the spring due to the restrictions around limited gatherings because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The pandemic, Becker said, has also contributed to a buildup of trash along the river, as more people had the opportunity to enjoy the river throughout the warm weather months. “There’s been a lot of people using the riverfront with the pandemic. A lot more people have been there this summer, a lot more trash has been left,” she said. “There’s a lot more work to do.”

Becker said this year the event will take place at the same time the Connecticut River Conservancy’s (CRC) annual Source to Sea Cleanup event. She said typically the group is forced to wait until after the Big E, as the additional traffic makes it hard to get in and out of town for the arranged pickups.

While typically the CRC’s event falls on Sept. 26, Becker said it was taking place throughout the entire month of September. “So this year it’s the whole month of September because of the virus, they have to do it in small groups so it’s not just one day,” she explained. While no one from the CRC will come to the cleanup site, Becker said they did give them supplies to help with their cleanup.

Becker said the low water levels would also assist with their cleanup, as they planned to “take advantage” of the river’s low levels and “get as many people out there” as possible.

For those planning on attending the Agawam cleanup, she said volunteers will meet at Pynchon Point at 9 a.m. While there will be someone at the meeting location until about 9:30 a.m., Becker said volunteers should plan to be there at 9 a.m. sharp. Volunteers do not need to sign up beforehand, and are invited to simply show up the day of the cleanup.

However she emphasized that in addition to social distancing, during the beginning of the event masks will need to be worn when volunteers first arrive, as instructions need to be given and materials will need to be distributed. Becker said after suppliers were handed out, people would be allowed to choose where they’d like to clean up. She said there were several different areas volunteers would be allowed to choose from.

“One group does Pynchon Point, some other groups go along the riverfront. Below the river walk there’s some pathways, and we do different areas along there,” she said.

Becker explained that they did not require volunteers to wear masks while they were working to pick up the trash as they were often spaced more than 6 feet apart while working. Light refreshments will be provided to volunteers and a water cooler will be on site. However, Becker said she strongly recommends participants bring their own water bottle.

She added that those intending to participate in the cleanup should wear clothes they don’t mind “getting destroyed.” They should also wear “boots or sturdy shoes,” she said.

The Westfield cleanup will take place at the same date and time. However, interested participants should meet at the parking lot across from the Westfield School of Music at the end of Meadow Street. Becker said the rain date for both events is the following day on Sept. 27.

She said while there was nothing official scheduled, they were considering hosting additional unofficial cleanups throughout the fall. Those interested in joining potential future cleanups should contact the Westfield River Watershed Association through their Facebook page.