On crisp spring mornings, Boston’s Charles River Greenway buzzes with community members running, biking or just enjoying the fresh air. From April 24-25, local volunteers came equipped with trash pickers and garbage bags to clean debris from the river’s banks.

The 27th annual Charles River Earth Day Cleanup — coordinated by six local conservation organizations — recruits over 3,500 volunteers each year to pick up litter along the river, according to the Charles River Conservancy, a nonprofit aimed at ensuring the river and its parks remain vibrant and healthy.

The event is a collective effort between the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, CRC and nonprofits, including the Charles River Watershed Association, Emerald Necklace Conservancy, Esplanade Association and Waltham Land Trust. 

The cleanup builds on the American Rivers’ National River Cleanup, which has removed more than 32 million pounds of trash from American waterways since 1991, according to its website.

Ryan Smith, volunteer and outreach coordinator for Charles River Watershed Association, said he’s noticed people growing more conscientious about leaving trash in green spaces in recent years, but the problem remains on city streets. 

Looking ahead, he said, organizations like the Watershed Association hope to take trash cleanup to a new level, beyond just green spaces.

“I’m looking for potentially shifting things, so we’re getting more of the street-level trash, or the sidewalk trash,” he said.

Smith suggested those interested in conservation and environmentalism research their local Watershed Association to get involved with their events.

Volunteer Barbara De La Cruz, a Boston University alum, said she’s participated in the cleanup for several years. 

“It’s a great way to contribute and do a good thing and help beautify a beautiful park,” she said.

BU senior Jasmine Richardson, who joined the cleanup after seeing a Residence Life notification about the event, emphasized the community-building aspect of group cleanups.

“I’m not someone who’s very connected with STEM, but I think [the cleanup] is a good way to get involved in the community,” Richardson said. 

Other volunteers shared a similar sentiment. 

Boston resident Colleen Alexander said it was nice to be part of cleaning up the Esplanade, a three-mile-long path along the river, where she enjoys walking and running. 

Alexander said the cleanup benefits public safety, mentioning syringes she spotted and notified organizers to pick up. 

“[It’s] also for the environment and for the area along the river to be deep-cleaned every once in a while,” she added.

Richardson said the event was “really fun,” and encouraged others to join future cleanups.

“When BU hosts events like this in the future, other clubs and organizations should definitely join,” she said. “You can go out with friends, and you get to see your impact.”

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