In April 2024, the Rochester Conservation Commission hosted a river clean-up event in which members of the Great Bay Chapter of Trout Unlimited participated. On that day, members of both organizations expressed a desire to collaborate and work together on future projects. Since then, the Commission has remained in regular communication with the Great Bay Chapter and coordinated two river clean-up events in the fall of 2025.

This year, both organizations invite the community to attend River Day, an annual large-scale community awareness event organized by the Great Bay New Hampshire Chapter of Trout Unlimited and being held in Rochester. The purpose of River Day is to engage and educate the community through a two-part event: a volunteer-driven litter clean-up of a river and its surrounding lands in the morning, followed by a conservation fair in the afternoon.

The conservation fair portion of the day will include numerous local and state conservation organizations providing exhibits and activities that highlight their missions, goals, and upcoming projects. This year’s event is being planned in collaboration with the Rochester Conservation Commission and the Rochester Recreation Department.

River Day 2026

Celebrate our local waterways and “Get Hooked on Clean Water” at River Day 2026! Hosted by Great Bay Trout Unlimited and the City of Rochester, this community-focused event at Hanson Pines is the perfect opportunity to give back to the environment while enjoying the great outdoors.

Whether you are looking to roll up your sleeves for the Cocheco River clean-up from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. or want to dive into the “Learn, Explore, and Conserve” activities from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., there is something for every age and skill level.

  • When: Saturday, June 6, 2026 (Rain Date: Sunday, June 7)
    Time:
    • Cocheco River clean-up: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
    • “Learn, Explore, and Conserve” activities: 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
  • Where: Hanson Pines, 140 Wakefield St., Rochester, NH 03867
  • Contact:
  • Click Here to Pre-Register

Event Highlights

  • River Clean-Up:
    Help preserve Hanson Pines and the Cocheco River. Volunteers will receive a free t-shirt.
  • Learn to Fish:
    Master the art of fly tying, casting, and lure selection while learning about local fish species.
  • Explore and Conserve:
    Connect with local conservation organizations to discover how you can help protect our wild world.