Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) stands as a dedicated force for river health and community action in Franklin County and across New England. Their signature event, the Source to Sea Cleanup, brings volunteers together each year to remove trash and debris from local rivers, including the Franklin County Rivers Cleanup and the upcoming Green River Cleanup, demonstrating the potential of collective stewardship for the region’s waterways.
About the Connecticut River Conservancy
Founded as a nonprofit serving the expansive Connecticut River watershed, CRC centers its work around restoring healthy habitats, advocating for clean water, and bolstering resilience in communities throughout New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. The organization’s values highlight inclusion, collaboration, resilience, and stewardship. CRC aims to unite people from all walks of life in the vital task of caring for the rivers that sustain wildlife and communities alike.
Mission and Values
Driven by a clear mission, CRC is committed to restoring and protecting clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities across the watershed. Their programs cultivate a sense of mutual responsibility, encouraging creative and collaborative solutions to the environmental challenges that impact the Connecticut River and its tributaries. Whether through advocacy or restoration work, CRC champions a healthy watershed where people and nature thrive together.
Programs and Advocacy
CRC’s efforts span a range of impactful initiatives that connect science, restoration, and policy. The annual Source to Sea Cleanup draws thousands to remove pollutants and restore natural beauty to area rivers. Water quality monitoring, including the “Is it Clean?” initiative, helps keep recreation safe by regularly testing public swimming sites and sharing findings with the community. CRC’s River Stewards actively develop and promote policies at both the local and state levels—to improve standards for hydroelectric facilities, fish passage, and recreational access. They also lead practical restorations, from removing outdated dams and stabilizing stream banks to planting trees and revitalizing floodplains throughout the watershed.
Get Involved in Franklin County
There are numerous ways for residents to participate in CRC’s mission. Volunteers can join the Franklin County Rivers Cleanup, a vibrant part of the larger Source to Sea initiative, and help rid rivers of trash and debris to support cleaner waterways. The Green River Cleanup on September 27, 2025, welcomes families, groups, and individuals to come together for a day that blends hard work, community spirit, and celebration. Volunteers can help sort recyclables, coordinate site teams, and enjoy live music, lunch, and camaraderie as part of the festivities. Ongoing opportunities to support CRC include donating, advocating for river-friendly policies, or simply spreading awareness about the organization’s work—each action furthers their impact in Franklin County.
Upcoming Event: Green River Cleanup
On September 27, the Green River Recreation Area in Greenfield will host the next Green River Cleanup—an event designed to be friendly and accessible for all ages. The day begins at 9:00 am with coffee and donuts, transitions into volunteer cleanups and recyclable sorting, and culminates in a community lunch and live music. Interested participants can register as volunteers, group leaders, or trash sorters, and are encouraged to bring sturdy shoes, refillable water bottles, gloves, and tick repellent if possible. All supplies are provided by CRC, making it easy for anyone to get involved and contribute to the health of Franklin County’s rivers.
Connecticut River Conservancy’s work ensures that Franklin County’s rivers remain vibrant places for those who live, work, and play along their banks. The Green River Cleanup and other programs invite everyone to take part in preserving and enhancing local watersheds—creating lasting change, one river at a time.
For more information or to sign up for upcoming events, visit the Connecticut River Conservancy website or the Source to Sea Cleanup page.
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