Cancelled! West Newton River Cleanup

Update 5/14/25: Rain in the Casselman River area yesterday has made the Yough River levels jump way up. In Ohiopyle, the river crested at 14.65 feet early this morning, and communities around the Casselman River have even been evacuated. The Army Corps will likely release water from the Yough Lake dam when it’s safe to do so. That, plus more rain in the forecast, is going to make water levels too high for safe paddling on Saturday. 

If we find a good date to reschedule, we’ll keep you posted. 

Mountain Watershed Association is dedicated to protecting the Youghiogheny River. One of our favorite ways to do that is by floating out on the Yough to clean up trash and tires in the river! 

Park and meet us at the West Newton ballfield at 8:30, and then we’ll shuttle to the put-in at Cedar Creek Park. From there, we’ll hop into canoes and float down the river, cleaning up tires and trash along the way. Time on the water will be about 2 hours. 

Be prepared for an active day! MWA will provide trash bags and heavy gloves to protect your hands. Please wear clothing you can get wet and don’t mind getting dirty. Bring snacks, sunscreen, water, and a waterproof bag, if you have one. 

If you have your own boat, you’re welcome to use it. Take your boat to Cedar Creek Park, and then meet us at West Newton to check in. 

After the cleanup, join MWA staff at Bloom Brew – all volunteers (age 21+) get a free drink for their help!