Merrimack River Cleanup Initiative

Merrimack River Community Cleanup Details

A shoreline cleanup is a fun and easy way to make a positive impact on our local waterbodies and the ocean. Join us and bring a friend to Haverhill's first annual Merrimack River Shoreline Cleanup on September 21st from 8:00am-11:00am at Riverside Park! If you boat or paddle the Merrimack, meet us on the water to show your river pride and help us pull discarded items from the river.

A volunteer station will be set up on the Edible Avenue for volunteers to gather supplies and have refreshments before beginning the cleanup. Materials collected during the cleanup will be sorted onsite and picked up the Haverhill DPW the following day. Refer to the below map for parking and restroom locations.

What supplies will be provided?

Trash bags, disposable gloves, and buckets will be provided at the Volunteer Station. A limited number of trash pickers will also be available. A shapes container will be onsite and handled by an event coordinator. Basic first aid, sunscreen, bug spray, and hand sanitizer will be available at the Volunteer station when needed. refreshments including bottled water, coffee, and donuts will be provided at the start of the event.

What should I wear?

We will be walking down the bank and along the muddy shore of the Merrimack. Wear sturdy, closed toe shoes - even better if you have bog boots, waders, hiking shoes, work boots - and you're prepared to get a little muddy. We also recommend:

• Clothing which can withstand branches, prickers 
• Dress for the weather: Rain gear, extra layers, etc. 
• Long pants or high boots to avoid scratches/ticks
• Hat with a brim and sunglasses to protect from the sun
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Bug spray 

What should I bring?

Bring plenty of drinking water and thick gloves if you have them. Some other tools which may be helpful include:

• Knife (to cut tangled/trapped materials)
• Sled/wheelbarrow (to move heavy items)

Where can I launch my boat?

The nearest public boat launch is located next the Crescent Yacht Club on South River St, https://maps.app.goo.gl/mM9vtYMiBVKDP1a67.

If I choose to join on a boat, where do I leave the trash?

A drop off location for collected trash will be at Marianna's Marina. The City's Harbormaster will also be at the event to receive collected trash.

Is there a rain date?

Haverhill's Merrimack River Shoreline Cleanup will continue rain or shine!

Contact Information

This event is organized by the Haverhill Conservation Department. Please call (978) 374-2334 or email conservation@haverhillma.gov for questions.

About

Haverhill is partnering with five of our nearby communities along the Merrimack River to improve its water quality and health.

Thanks to funding from the Massachusetts Community Compact Efficiency and Regionalization Grant from the Executive Office for Administration and Finance and support from the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission and the Northern Middlesex Council of Governments, the communities of Haverhill, Lawrence, Methuen, Tyngsborrough, and Andover will each install booms along the river which will be cleaned out once a month as well as a community shoreline cleanup.