For years, local watershed groups and other volunteers in Vermont have organized river cleanups to remove trash that has accumulated in our waterways. Trash in rivers and lakes not only creates an eyesore for paddlers and swimmers, but it also negatively impacts riparian wildlife and adds pollutants to our waters. In 2014, the Vermont legislature, recognizing the importance of river cleanups, designated September as Vermont’s official River Cleanup Month. Watersheds United Vermont is partnering with Connecticut River Conservancy's Source to Sea Cleanup  and American Rivers National River Cleanup to help promote Vermont River Cleanup Month and to provide resources to help you run a successful cleanup. You can help volunteer with an existing cleanup or you can help organize your own. If you are in a watershed with a watershed organization, make sure you contact the organization to see if they organize a cleanup and if you can help!