As a kick-off event for the Damariscotta Oyster Celebration in June, Damariscotta River oyster growers are partnering with Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust to organize a river clean-up on Friday, May 17.

All are invited to join the effort. Volunteers will meet at the Damariscotta Town Landing at 9 a.m. to coordinate clean-up locations and pick up trash bags. There will be a number of boats dispersing to various points on the river.

High waterproof boots and work gloves are recommended.

Those who live on the Damariscotta River are also invited to participate by patrolling their own shoreline.

Clean water is essential to the health of the local aquaculture industry and a central goal of Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust.

The clean-up is a warm-up event for the Damariscotta Oyster Celebration taking place on June 13, 14 and 15. The Celebration kicks off with the International Oyster Chef of the Year Competition at Boothbay Harbor Oceanside Golf Resort on June 13, and concludes with the Can-Am Shuck Star Competition and Oyster Party at Coastal Rivers’ Round Top Farm on June 15. For more information or to get tickets, go to www.damariscottaoyster.com.

Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust, formerly Damariscotta River Association and Pemaquid Watershed Association, is a non-profit, membership supported, and nationally accredited land trust and conservation organization. Coastal Rivers is dedicated to preserving and promoting the natural, cultural, and historical heritage of the greater Pemaquid peninsula and Damariscotta River region.

Coastal Rivers has active programs in the areas of land conservation, stewardship, community education, water quality monitoring, marine conservation and cultural preservation.

Visitors are welcome at the Great Salt Bay Heritage Center in Damariscotta as well as the many other Coastal Rivers properties throughout the region. For more information, call (207) 563-1393, email info@coastalrivers.org, or visit coastalrivers.org.