The Progressive

NewsWire

A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
Contact:

Heather Hamilton, American Rivers, 202.347.7550 X 3056
Caitlin Jennings, American Rivers, 202.347.7550 X 3100

American Rivers Launches National River Cleanup 2009

American Rivers, the nation's leading river conservation
organization, today announced the kickoff of its 2009 National River
Cleanup season. Since 1992, hundreds of thousands of volunteers across
the country have participated to clean up thousands of tons of trash on
America's rivers and streams.

WASHINGTON

American Rivers, the nation's leading river conservation
organization, today announced the kickoff of its 2009 National River
Cleanup season. Since 1992, hundreds of thousands of volunteers across
the country have participated to clean up thousands of tons of trash on
America's rivers and streams.

Last year American Rivers sponsored the most successful National
River Cleanup yet with more than 300,000 volunteers removing more than
2,400 tons of trash from our rivers. This year, through a revamped web
site, new sponsorships and increased local outreach, American Rivers
plans to make the 2009 National River Cleanups the most successful to
date.

Volunteers can find their closest river cleanup, information on
how to organize a new river cleanup and frequently asked questions and
answers at www.AmericanRivers.org/Cleanup.

"People of all ages can volunteer for a cleanup for an hour or
a day to help clean the river they live on or care about," said Rebecca
Wodder, president of American Rivers. "At a time when more and more
Americans are looking for opportunities to volunteer and serve their
communities, this is a great way to make an impact," continued Wodder.

With corporate partners like Tom's of Maine, Boulder Canyon
Natural Foods, Subaru and Green Mountain Coffee, even more people
across the country are aware of this great opportunity to make a
difference for their local rivers.

American Rivers is the only national organization standing up for healthy rivers so our communities can thrive. Through national advocacy, innovative solutions and our growing network of strategic partners, we protect and promote our rivers as valuable assets that are vital to our health, safety and quality of life. Founded in 1973, American Rivers has more than 65,000 members and supporters nationwide, with offices in Washington, DC and the Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, Midwest, Southeast, California and Northwest regions.