BETHEL — The Androscoggin River Watershed Council has announced its 20th year of Source to Sea, an event celebrating the Androscoggin River by paddling and exploring the river.

Those interested in joining them are encouraged to do so. They are also inviting anyone who may have paddled with them on the first Source to Sea, formerly known as the Trek, to join them for a 20-year reunion.

Once one of the most polluted rivers in the nation, the Androscoggin was the impetus for the 1972 Clean Water Act. The river winds 164 miles from Eastern N.H. through Western Maine and down to the Maine seacoast.

Each year, participants join together for one or multiple days to paddle the Source to Sea and celebrate the river’s rebirth. Participants learn about local conservation, history, ecology and recreation through daily on-river programs.

A preliminary paddle, in conjunction with the Errol, N.H. July 4 celebration, will take place on July 4. Starting at Steamer Diamond, paddlers will make their way to Errol in time for fireworks.

The group’s kick-off paddle is July 10 at the Umbagog Wildlife Refuge Station north of Errol, N.H. The group will travel down the river each week until reaching Merrymeeting Bay in Brunswick, where the river meets the sea.

Pre-registration is encouraged. Although there is no fee to participate, a $10 donation is suggested at the time of registration. Donations will also be accepted on each event day.

A full calendar of events is available to view online.

FMI: 207-824-3813, 207-754-8158, beckys@oxfordnetworks.net, trek@androscogginwatershed.org, www.androscogginwatershed.org, arwc.camp7.org.

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