Help Clean Up the Charles this Weekend in Newton

The 13th Annual Charles River Cleanup will take place this weekend at various parks along the Charles River, including the Hemlock Gorge Reservation in Newton. 

The cleanup event is put on every year by the Charles River Watershed Association (CWRA) as a way to celebrate Earth Day and bring communities together along the Watershed.

Hemlock Gorge is one of the "drop-in" locations for the cleanup, and anyone who is interested can meet at the parking lot at Hamilton Place (off Elliot Street) between 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.

The reservation is also about a mile from the Eliot Street T stop. 

According to the Friends of Hemlock Gorge website, tools for the cleanup will be provided and refreshments will be available after the cleanup.

A record number of volunteers are expected to join the Charles River Cleanup this year, the CWRA said in the press release.

The cleanup time is scheduled for 9 a.m. - noon. Afterward, volunteers are invited to Boston's Esplanade for a picnic and speaking program with Deputy Regional Administrator of EPA New England Ira Leighton. According to the press release, Leighton will announce the 2011 Charles River report card grade. 

In 2010, the river was awarded a B+, up from a D grade in 1995, the press release said. 

Last year, the river was also for its efforts in river management.

For more information on the cleanup, visit the CWRA's website.