For ten years, The Tireless Project, a collaborative program of Allegheny CleanWays, Friends of the Riverfront, Artful Trash Management/RiverCubes.net, REI, Three Rivers Rowing Association, and Venture Outdoors, has been providing riverfront cleanup opportunities that help volunteers build deeper connections to the waterways of Allegheny County. 

This year the Tireless Project will be celebrating Earth Day with three events aimed at removing debris from the riverfront of the Monongahela River, Pennsylvania’s 2013 River of the Year.

The first event will be in conjunction with Allegheny County and the Rivers of Steel Heritage Corporation at the historic Carrie Furnace former industrial site on April 20, from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. 

Registration is required and volunteers must be at least 12 years of age to assist with this unprecedented opportunity to access the riverfront along the Carrie Furnace site. Those 12-18 of age must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

All volunteers must sign two standard waivers – one regarding access to the site and one regarding participation in the clean-up activity.  The Tireless Project pontoon boat, the Rachel Carson, will be available for volunteers who wish to clean up debris from the water’s edge.

In appreciation for the work, light pizza lunch will be provided and all volunteers who complete the day will receive a voucher good for one free admission to one of the 2013 group tour opportunities organized by Rivers of Steel. 

Rivers of Steel Heritage Corporation preserves and interprets the region’s powerful and dynamic story related to the steel industry, and conducts educational site walks and talks about core landmarks such as the Carrie Blast Furnaces Nos. 6 and 7.

The second two events will be on April 22, along the South Side segment of the Three Rivers Heritage Trail and Riverfront.  The earliest session will begin at 1:00 p.m. at the 4th Street Trailhead.  Volunteers will work on the section of trail and riverfront from Station Square to the 10th Street Bridge. 

The Rachel Carson again will be available to take volunteers who want to clean from the water's edge. Other volunteers can choose from various trail maintenance activities (e.g. planting seeds/bulbs, litter pickup, invasive species removal, etc) with Friends of the Riverfront.  Litter pickup in the streets between Station Square and the Terminal Building is also an option.

The last Earth Day session will be in conjunction with REI and Friends of the Riverfront from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m.  It will take place along the South Side Segment of the Three Rivers

Heritage Trail and Riverfront between the 10th Street and Hot Metal Bridge.

Once again the Rachel Carson will be available to take volunteers on the water, while other volunteers can choose from various trail maintenance activities (e.g. planting seeds/bulbs, litter pickup, invasive species removal, etc) with Friends of the Riverfront.  All participants will gather for a group photo and pizza at 7:30pm to end our Earth Day celebration.

Sturdy, closed-toe shoes or boots and long pants are required for all events. Gloves, tools, safety vests and life preservers will be provided, along with safety training at each site.

Day 1 – Riversweep at Carrie Furnace

WHO: Allegheny CleanWays’ Tireless Project, Allegheny County, and Rivers of Steel Heritage Corporation

WHAT: Tireless Project Riversweep at Carrie Furnace

WHERE:  Ohio Street, Rankin, PA; Volunteers will meet at Hidy’s Café under the Rankin Bridge to sign in

WHEN: Saturday, April 20

WHY: To improve the scenic beauty and health of the Monongahela River – PA’s River of the Year for 2013 – at the historic Carrie Furnace former industrial site.

HOW: All work is being done by volunteers

CONTACT: Myrna Newman, Exec. Director, Allegheny CleanWays, 412.381.1301; myrnan@alleghenycleanways.org;  Jeaneen Zappa, Sustainability Manager, Allegheny County, 412-350-6506; jzappa@alleghenycounty.us; Stacy Drane, Administrative Services Coordinator, Rivers of Steel Heritage Corporation; 412-464-4020 ext. 32; sdrane@riversofsteel.com; Ronald Baraff , Director of Museum Collections & Archives ; 412-464-4020 ext. 21, rbaraff@riversofsteel.com.

Day 2 – South Side Riverfront Cleanup – Session 1

WHO: Allegheny CleanWays’ Tireless Project and Friends of the Riverfront

WHAT: Tireless Project South Side Riverfront Cleanup – Session 1

WHERE: Meet at the trailhead at the end of 4th Street on the South Side of Pittsburgh

WHEN: Monday, April 22 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

WHY:  To improve the scenic beauty and health of the Monongahela River – PA’s River of the Year for 2013 – along the South Side of Pittsburgh

HOW: All work is being done by volunteers

CONTACT: Myrna Newman, Exec. Director, Allegheny CleanWays, 412.381.1301, myrnan@alleghenycleanways.org; Thomas Baxter, Executive Director, Friends of the Riverfront; 412-488-0212; thomas@friendsoftheriverfront.org.

Day 2 – South Side Riverfront Cleanup – Session 2

WHO: Allegheny CleanWays’ Tireless Project, Friends of the Riverfront, and REI

WHAT: Tireless Project South Side Riverfront Cleanup – Session 1

WHERE: Southside Riverfront Park

WHEN: Saturday, April 22 from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

WHY:  To improve the scenic beauty and health of the Monongahela River – PA’s River of the Year for 2013 – along the South Side of Pittsburgh

HOW: All work is being done by volunteers

CONTACT: Peter Greninger; REI Outdoor Programs & Outreach Market Coordinator

REI; Pittsburgh, PA (412)488-9410 pgrenin@rei.com; Myrna Newman, Exec. Director, Allegheny CleanWays, 412.381.1301; myrnan@alleghenycleanways.org; Thomas Baxter, Executive Director, Friends of the Riverfront; 412-488-0212; thomas@friendsoftheriverfront.org.

4/22/2013