What is SWEAT? What do they do? Here is an old excerpt from the SWEAT Gazzette, our occasional newsletter,which should answer your questions.                     
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S.W.E.A.T.  RIVER  CLEANUPS
by Ken Doran

   Have you ever wanted to participate in a Shawsheen River cleanup?  If it is your first time you may be wondering what to expect, what do we do, what to bring, and most important will it be fun?  Starting in early spring and going to late fall SWEAT is out on the river with a planned cleanup approximately every month.  Each cleanup is unique to the needs and goals of the particular site to be considered. 

   Early spring has high cold water which limits our activity.  The high water picks up a lot of trash from its hiding places and moves it to new places where strainers (fallen trees) catch it.  It is a good time to find old trash as the leaves and tall grass have not yet started to grow.  At this time of year river assessment is conducted to see how the winter storms and spring have impacted the river.  This information is used to determine the strategy for the rest of the year's cleanups.

   Summer is a great time for participating in a cleanup: the weather is beautiful, the water is warm, and often there are wildlife sightings of blue heron, otter, and of course turtles.  The focus may be at a bridge and the area immediately around it or it could be a several mile paddle with canoes to make a trash sweep as the water level in the river drops.  One challenge for SWEAT is how to get rid of all the trash, tires, and debris we collect.  We often get a donated DUMPSTER, assistance from a DPW, or find other creative ways to deal with it.  We also do tree and limb trimming to remove strainers and obstructions that impair canoe travel.  The ice storms of several years ago created a virtual log jam with numerous trees that clogged the river.  Many fell completely across the river totally blocking river travel and have been a focus of many cleanups.

   Late summer and into fall, as the water often goes to its lowest level, is the ideal time to get in the river and remove trash that has been inaccessible the rest of the year.  Many big items that are on the bottom (tires, barrels, shopping carts) can now be found and removed.  These areas were too deep or had too much current to work earlier in the year and this is often the only opportunity.  The water is still warm and much can be accomplished.

   The tools of the cleanup vary by project and individual.  The basics are a pair of sturdy work gloves, footgear that can get wet, and clothes appropriate for the weather and water temperature.  You will get dirty and wet.  Often we travel by canoe.  If you have one please bring it, and if not there is always an extra seat in one of the boats.  Some of us use neoprene booties, others use hip waders.  Many of us bring hand saws and clippers to trim blocked areas and strainers.  Sometimes a chain saw and come-along are needed to assist in the big clearings and for items stuck in the mud.  Often a rake or other tool to hook and pick up trash in deep water is helpful. 
   Heavy trash bags are useful for all the small items you pick up (bottles, cans, litter).  A canteen or other drink is welcome on a trip that may last for four hours.

   Our groups are as small as three or four people and go up to sixteen or so.  People of all ages join us from the entire watershed and beyond.  As you go on more cleanups you get to know the river first hand, one small area at a time, and get to know the individuals of SWEAT as people of commitment and accomplishment.  As we travel the river we are encouraged by residents we
pass, town officials who see our work, and the personal knowledge that the river is better off for our efforts.  If any of what you have read sounds of interest to you, contact SWEAT and join us on one or more cleanups this coming year.

   See you on the river!