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Clean-up
Days
River Clean-ups
are held in spring, summer, or fall, as water conditions allow.
HooRWA volunteers and interested citizens remove an astonishing
amount and variety of litter and bulky trash from the Hoosic and
its banks! If you know of a section of river that needs
a clean-up, or your group would like to work with us on a clean-up,
please contact us.
Hikes,
Paddles, and Workshops
Our public outreach programs cover a broad range of topics and
activities, all intended to foster appreciation and understanding
of the watershed. They include natural history walks to observe
birds, reptiles, amphibians, dragonflies, wildflowers, or other
living creatures; tracking; geology; hikes along riverbanks or
up mountainsides; canoe trips; history tours; fishing instruction;
art projects; literary excursions; and foraging for wild edibles.
Most are free of charge, many are family-oriented.
Internships
Internships
are sometimes available for undergraduate or graduate students
who want experience in research, education, grassroots organization,
or related fields. Intern projects have included doing water chemistry,
designing programs for children, maintaining interpretive trails,
and learning how nonprofits operate day-to-day.
Internships are not generally funded by HooRWA, but outside support
may be available. Contact
us to discuss ideas.
Rafting
HooRWA
provides raft rides for families, youth groups, retirees-- anyone
who would like to try floating the Hoosic during spring high water
in April and May. Trips are usually about 45 minutes long and
most of them run from North Adams to Williamstown, though other
routes can be arranged that include Vermont and New York. Depending
on water conditions, rafting ranges from serene to mildly thrilling
(Class II rapids) and no rafting experience is required. Be prepared
to paddle, however!) Paddles, life jackets, and helmets are provided.
There is no charge for rafting, but we do appreciate donations
or membership subscriptions from participants. Children under
40 lbs must have their own life jackets. All passengers must register
and sign waiver forms in advance. For information or registration
call (413-458-2742) or email HooRWA.
River
Writing is a community writing contest for middle schoolers,
high schoolers, and adults. Writers may submit an essay or poem
related to the Hoosic or any of its tributaries. These are judged
by professional writers. Winners are given cash prizes and invited
to read their works at an awards event. River Writing is a wonderful
way for members of the community, young and old, to share their
memories and perceptions of the river.
Getting started: When possible, riverside walks, readings,
and writing workshops are scheduled for individuals and groups
with an interest in submitting pieces for River Writing. Contact
us to see what your options may be.
Download
contest guidelines: Word
file or PDF
Flyer for printing and posting: Word
file or PDF
River Writing Co-Sponsors in 2005:
The Berkshire Taconic Community
Foundation
Inkberry
The Advocate Weekly
State
of the River Conference
HooRWA hosts an annual conference,
usually in March, to inform the public and foster discussion about
the general health of the Hoosic, its tributaries, and its watershed.
The presentations and roundtable discussions can include representatives
of various State and Federal agencies; researchers from regional
colleges; students; nonprofit organizations; and invited keynote
speakers. In addition, HooRWA staff present the results of our
previous year's monitoring program. The State of the River Conference
helps people working on different projects in different states
to meet and network. It's also a great way for interested citizens
to see the river from a whole-watershed perspective. For details
of the next Conference, please contact us.
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