In 2015, Conewango Creek was named Pennsylvania’s River of the Year.

That was after volunteers had been cleaning the creek for years during the annual Conewango Creek Cleanup.

They didn’t stop after the award.

The 14th annual event is set for 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10.

“We are seeing a reduction in the amount of new trash in the Conewango Creek as we continue to cleanup historic trash sites,” Conewango Creek Watershed Association Member Sue Nielsen said. “This shows that local residents are taking ownership of their community and protecting it’s resources, which is further evidenced by participating in cleanup efforts and bringing their children.”

“By exposing the next generation to conservation concepts, they will grow up being mindful of the unique resources within their communities and will value them from the start,” Nielsen said.

“It’s always great to see people pull together for a good cause like keeping our local waterways clean, both for recreators and for wildlife,” Warren County Conservation District Watershed Specialist Jean Gomory said. “We try to raise awareness about why it’s important to keep waterways clean and dispose of waste properly; although we still find the occasional television set.”

Participants are asked to pre-register by visiting www.conewangocreek.org or calling (814) 726-1441 to assist with planning. “A variety of jobs on-water and off are available,” according to a cleanup release.

Final registration is at 8 a.m. the day of the cleanup at the launch at 3 Front Street, Warren – off of Conewango Avenue Ext. “Waivers must be signed,” according to the release.

Each participant will have to go through a safety talk at 8:45 a.m.

“Participants are asked to wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes, hat, long pants and long sleeves. They should bring bug spray, sunscreen, medications, water bottle and snacks as well as anything else they need for the five-hour cleanup. We will have lots of water but please bring your own reusable bottle.”

Paddlers will go by carpool to the starting point at Tractor Supply Company. Land-based workers will be spread out over the area of the cleanup. All participants must return to the Front Street launch by 1 p.m. and sign out.