Q: How can I contact your organization?
A: For any questions, please email info@cleanupboat.org.
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Q: How can my organization become more involved with the Charles River Clean Up Boat?
A: We welcome any organization or company to join our efforts to clean the Charles River. For further details, please email information@cleanupboat.org and join our mailing list
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Q: For an individual, who should I contact if I want to donate to the Clean Up Boat?
A: Please see the "DONATIONS" section at the top of our website for further information.
Q: Can I bring my friends to the volunteer work?
A: We encourage friends to volunteer together! Please note that each person must sign up for the boat’s daily roster in advance; the boat can hold three volunteers plus the captain, so be sure to sign up early for the date you want to spend on the boat.
Q: When will the schedule for this season be released?
A: We release the season calendar in April. We will update you with our schedule as soon as possible on social media, our newsletter, and here on the website.
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Q: Does the volunteer work happen every day throughout the whole year?
A: Due to Boston's extreme winters, we operate two-three days a week from May to late September. For more specific dates, please see the volunteer schedule.
Q: When does a typical volunteer work day start? And when does it end? What should I bring?
A: The typical work day starts at 9:30 AM; you board the Clean Up Boat at the Nonantum boat ramp next to Community Rowing in Newton, and head down the river shortly after boarding. The day ends early afternoon, when volunteers are dropped off at the ramp. Bring a water bottle, sunscreen, hat, and layered clothing based on the day's forecast.
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Q: Where is the volunteer pick-up spot?
A: The pick-up spot is at 20 Nonantum Road in Brighton, MA. Park your car in the Community Rowing parking lot, near the concrete boat ramp, and walk to the river’s edge; the Clean Up Boat will pick you up from the shore or the Community Rowing dock.
Q: Who is going to lead the team on a volunteer work day?
A: We have experienced Captains who lead our volunteer teams. They are happy to answer any questions you might have on the day of the trip.
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Q: Who should I contact with if I can't come on my schedule volunteer work day?
A: If an emergency prevents you from joining the boat on your scheduled day, please notify the Captain scheduled for that day as soon as possible. Contact information can be found on the volunteer work schedule. If you must change your plans for any reason besides an emergency, please let the Clean Up Boat know so that another volunteer can take your place on the boat.
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Q: What will happen if the weather is bad?
A: We will inform volunteers at least a day in advance if the weather forces us to cancel. Please check your email the day before your work day to see if there have been any changes. You can also contact the Captain on the day of the tour if you’re unsure. Contact information is on the volunteer work schedule. We like to make the day fun, safe, and enjoyable for everyone. If we encounter bad weather while out on the boat we head to shore immediately. (Be sure to bring a windbreaker or jacket with you, in case the temperature drops while we’re out on the boat.)
Q: Do I need to prepare a lunch?
A: We usually stop at the Food Court at Cambridge Galleria for lunch or you can pack your own food. A day on the river can get hot, so it’s a good idea to bring a water bottle with you.