Volunteers willing to float their boat — and collect garbage along the banks of the Kiski River — are needed for a two-day cleanup event this weekend.

Sponsored by the Kiski Watershed Association and Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission, the cleanup is scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to noon Friday and Saturday.

On Saturday, cleanup efforts also will take place on land from 9 a.m to noon along River Road, Linkes said.

Participants will receive a free “Help Dad Take Out the Trash” T-shirt.

The nonprofit Kiski Watershed Association is dedicated to rehabilitating and conserving natural resources and keeping riverbanks clean of debris in Westmoreland, Indiana and Armstrong counties.

Gilpin-based River’s Edge Canoe &Kayak rental offers the boats for volunteers.

The 32nd Kiski River cleanup is scheduled for along a 5-mile stretch of the river from the North Vandergrift neighborhood of Parks Township to Leechburg.

Longtime volunteer and event coordinator John Linkes said organizers are still seeking volunteers.

Waivers must be signed and will be available the day of the event.

Tribune-Review John Linkes of the Kiski Watershed Association cleans up along the banks of the Kiski River.  

On both days, participants are asked to meet in the parking lot at River’s Edge Canoe & Kayak, 3158 River Road.

River’s Edge co-owner Neill Andritz said he is happy to offer free boats to volunteers.

“We got involved in this early on. It’s a great program, and organizer John Linkes likes to say, ‘We all live downstream,’” Andritz said.

Organizers said the goal is to recruit about 20 to 30 volunteers. Last year’s event drew about 10 participants.

“The more volunteers we get, the more of the river we can clean,” Andritz said. “Our Kiski River has virtually completed its comeback from its impairment, and it’s been such a success story.”

Kayak and canoe river sweep participants must be 10 and older.

Volunteers are advised to wear clothes that can get wet and dirty, bring sunscreen, gloves and appropriate shoes.

“Come volunteer with us,” Linkes said. “We love new faces.”

 

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