Celebrate improvements of Mahoning River at festival Saturday

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The Friends of the Mahoning River will host its third annual Riverfest from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday at The B&O Station, 530 Mahoning Ave., and will offer kayak and canoe rides, exhibits, arts and crafts, refreshments and more.

The event aims to draw more people to enjoy the banks of the Mahoning River and build excitement for the waterway’s restoration.

The Friends of the Mahoning River expect positive news from the release of preliminary results of summer 2013 testing by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. Fish quality and diversity in the river is the best it has been in 100 years, and water quality will continue to improve as dams are removed, the group says.

During Saturday’s event, Trumbull Canoe Trails will provide rides on the river.

Riverfest volunteers will provide activities and crafts for children, including educational and historical presentations and displays with a focus on the river and the environment.

Read the full story Monday in The Vindicator and on Vindy.com