Join a Cleanup!
If you are interested in joining a Virginia Waterways Cleanup, please scroll through the list here and find one near you! Please be sure to contact the organizer to signup and get instructions on meeting place, what to bring, times, etc. Use the search bar for easier navigation.
Washington County
Cleanup Location: Muster Grounds Park
Cleanup Date and Time: Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024 from 2-4 p.m.
Contact: Carol Doss, uppertnriver@yahoo.com
Keep SWVA Beautiful, Upper TN River Roundtable and Sustain Abingdon need your help. Sign up to help these organizations clean up the local Wolf Creek Stream at the Muster Grounds. Let’s all work together to keep our community clean!
Farmville
Cleanup Location: Wilkes Lake, Appomattox River and Grosses Creek
Cleanup Date & Time: October 26, 9am to noon. Rain date: November 2
Contact: Kelly Atkinson, kmatkinson33@gmail.com
Norfolk
Cleanup Location: Lafayette Kayak Launch
Cleanup Date and Time: Saturday, October 19, 3:30 - 5:30 pm
Contact: Joseph Barnes, j3barnes@odu.edu
The Learning, Willing, Doing project at Old Dominion University, which engages in marine debris public outreach, is partnering with Keep Norfolk Beautiful to host an International Coastal Cleanup at the Lafayette Kayak Launch in Norfolk, VA. We will be running a Catch the King and concurrent Measure the Muck program in the morning, followed by a coastal cleanup at low tide in the afternoon. Join us on this Water Wellness Watch! View the form for information on all 3 events. Cleanup Date and Time: Saturday, October 19, 3:30 - 5:30 pm Location: Lafayette Kayak Launch. Park and meet at 3500 Granby St, Suite A, Norfolk, VA 23504
Register: https://forms.office.com/r/UUsPZdzsiS
Chesapeake
Please contact Rogard Ross for cleanup time and more information: rogard@yahoo.com
Danville
Help clean up the Dan River with the Danville Science Center on October 12th. Please contact Brian for cleanup time and meeting location.
Contact: Brian Buchanan, bbuchanan@smv.org
Suffolk,
Cleanup Location: Constant’s Wharf Park & Marina, Suffolk
Date and Time: October 12th, 9am to noon
Contact: email at ksb@suffolkva.us or by phone at (757) 514-7604
Keep Suffolk Beautiful is hosting its next Nansemond River Cleanup from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM on October 12, 2024. This event is open to individuals, families, and groups, and includes both land and water-based cleanup opportunities. Volunteers with kayaks or canoes are especially needed to help clean the river. Kayak or canoe volunteers must bring their own watercraft.
We will meet at Constant's Wharf Park & Marina (100 East Constance Rd., Suffolk, VA 23434) and focus on the Nansemond River in Downtown Suffolk, where all volunteers will register.
Cleanup supplies such as reflective vests, grabbers, gloves, and bags will be provided on-site. Longer grabbers will be available for those cleaning from the river. Land-based volunteers will be able to clean from the wharf or be directed to nearby sites in need of attention.
Removing litter before it reaches the river is crucial!
For more information, contact us via email at ksb@suffolkva.us or by phone at (757) 514-7604.
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Fairfax, Accotink Creek
Multiple cleanup sites for Accotink Creek
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Accotink Creek at Pickett Road
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM Accotink Creek at Barkley Drive
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Accotink Creek at Woodburn Road
Contact Philip Latasa : : steward@accotink.org
Details are available at https://www.accotink.org/2024/InternationalCoastalCleanuppre-event2024.htm
Washington County
Cleanup Location: North Fork River Road
Cleanup Date and Time: October 6, 2-4pm
Contact: Carol Doss, uppertnriver@yahoo.com
This cleanup is hosted by Upper Tennessee River Roundtable and Keep Southwest Virginia Beautiful. Please meet at the boat ramp to register and pick up supplies.
Occoquan
Please check with Friends of the Occoquan for cleanup time.
Join Friends of the Occoquan for the Fall River Cleanup on Saturday, October 5th, 2024!
Choose from one of the five locations listed below. Preregistration is recommended.
Lake Ridge Marina Contact: Renate Vanegas 703-674-6659
Town of Occoquan Contact: Julie Little 703-491-2168
Occoquan Regional Park Contact: Alex Vanegas 703-674-7847
Fountainhead Regional Park Contact: Sonia Monson 703-581-5487
Bull Run Marina Contact: German Vanegas 703-624-7124
How to Sign Up Select a location and time slot from the list provided. Email the following information to us: at friendsoftheoccoquan.org The location and time slot you plan to attend. First and last names of all volunteers in your group. A contact number and email address. If you need a community service letter, please include your name and mailing address. Additional Information: Refreshments will be available in a grab-and-go style, including packaged snacks and bottled drinks. Wear sturdy shoes and appropriate attire for muddy conditions. For weather updates, please check our website or Facebook page.
Website https://www.friendsoftheoccoquan.org/ Get out with your family or friends and help keep the source of our drinking water pristine! Thanks, The FOTO Team
Fairfax, Accotink Creek
Multiple cleanup sites for Accotink Creek
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Hatmark Branch at Vaden Drive (Providence Community Center)
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM Accotink Creek at King Arthur Road
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Accotink Creek at Little River Turnpike
Contact Philip Latasa : : steward@accotink.org
Details are available at https://www.accotink.org/2024/InternationalCoastalCleanuppre-event2024.htm
Martinsville
Clean Location: J. Frank Wilson Park
Cleanup Date & Time: September 29, 1-4pm
Contact: Noel Boaz, boaznoel47@gmail.com
Annual cleanup of Martinsville's largest city park, adjacent to the Virginia Museum of Natural History, at the headwaters of Mulberry Creek, an affluent of the Smith River. Coordinated by the southwest Piedmont Chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalists. Meeting time is Sunday, September 29, 2024 1:00 - 4:00 PM in the upper (eastern) park shelter. Bring snacks and water. Complimentary S'mores Bar. Open to the public.
Chesapeake
Cleanup Location: Deep Creek Lock Park
Contact: Mike Hoffman, mhoffman@dollartree.com
Thank you for your interest in helping with the International Coastal Cleanup! This event is a partnership between the Chesapeake Environmental Improvement Council and Clean Virginia Waterways. My name is Mike Hoffman, and I will be the site leader for the event. I am so excited for you to join me! We will be picking up litter at Deep Creek Lock Park on Saturday, September 28th from 9:00 am until 11 am. The address is: 300 Luray St, Chesapeake, VA 23323. The park is located just off Old George Washington Highway, at the end of Luray St. We will meet at the parking lot. You can look for me in a light grey Nissan Altima - I'll be distributing supplies and signing people in from the back of my vehicle beginning at 8:45 am. We provide gloves, trash bags, and trash grabbers for everyone, but you are welcome to bring your own. Please note that there are restrooms at the site. This is a family-friendly event! Please feel free to bring your friends and family members with you. This is a great way to instill the importance of volunteerism and keeping our community clean with youngsters. Dress comfortably! We will be working outside for up to 2 hours, so make sure you wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty (long pants and bug spray recommended). Items to Bring • Water container (refill station available) • Snacks • Sun protection/rain gear • Bug spray If for any reason you cannot attend, please let me know as soon as possible. The event is rain or shine.
Virginia Beach
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is glad to participate in the International Coastal Cleanup! The wildlife refuge is located in the southeastern corner of Virginia Beach. The cleanup will take place on the beachfront, covering approximately three miles of the coast. Participants should be ready to walk 1 - 3 miles for this cleanup. We will meet at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge's Visitor Center, located at 4005 Sandpiper Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23456. Please contact Erica Ryder at 757-301-7329 ext.3106 or email Erica_Ryder@fws.gov if you would like to sign up for this event. Thank you!
Norfolk
Cleanup Location: Community Beach Park
Cleanup Date and Time: September 28th, 9 - 11am
Contact: Sarah Sterzing, knb@norfolk.gov
An ICC cleanup isn't your ordinary cleanup event—you will track and count the types of litter as you clean to help understand and prevent the root causes of litter!
Join Keep Norfolk Beautiful on Saturday, September 28 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Community Beach Park (700 E. Ocean View Ave) to be a part of this international effort!
RSVP Today at https://forms.office.com/g/DuSuMezWRE
Alexandria
Cleanup Location: Old Historic Holmes Run
Please contact Nolan Compton for details. Time of cleanup TBA
Email: stormwaterBMP@alexandriava.gov
Norfolk
Join the Elizabeth River Project for a cleanup around Harbor Park in Norfolk, Virginia. Visit https://events.humanitix.com/volunteer-litter-cleanup-uxuwr6vn for more details.
Contact: Abigail amarquardt@elizabethriver.org
Chincoteague
Cleanup Location: Assateague Island, VA/ Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
Registration at Toms Cove Visitor Center
Fee Free Entrance Day in celebration of National Public Lands Day
Contact: Heather McDaniel, heather_mcdaniel@nps.gov
Virginia Beach
Cleanup Location: VB Oceanfront around Fishing Pier
Cleanup Date and Time: September 25th, 5:00-6:30
Contact: Christina Trapani, Christina@CleanVirginiaWaterways.org
Please save the date for a special September Green Drinks, September 25th! We will be doing a beach cleanup and collecting data for the International Coastal Cleanup! Grab a friend and meet us on the boardwalk near the 15th Street Pier. We’ll spend an hour cleaning the beach and boardwalk around the pier, collecting data for the International Coastal Cleanup then will grab a celebratory drink at Ocean Eddies.
Download the Clean Swell app for data collection, dress appropriately for the occasion, bring water (in a reusable bottle of course) and bring a friend! We will provide gloves and bags. Please RSVP so we know how many supplies to bring.
Northumberland & Lancaster
Join The Northumberland Association for Progressive Stewardship (NAPS) Creek Cleanup, Sunday, Sept. 22, Noon-3pm
We’ll get fueled up at noon with a free lunch for all participants, then we’ll clean up the shorelines of the Upper Great Wicomico River and its tributaries using a small fleet of skiffs and lots of helping hands. Everyone can help, whether as a skiff captain, trash-picking skiff crew member, or a land-based helper. Each participant is offered a free "Trash Crab" T-shirt* and a reusable grocery bag. Always a lot of smiling faces!
Land base will be at the Mallard Bay Community Clubhouse & Docks: From Heathsville, take rte. 201 (Courthouse Rd.) south, veer left on Knights Run Rd., to left on Mallard Bay Dr., to left on Summer Duck Ln. From Wicomico Church, take Browns Store Rd. west to right at T (Light St.), to left at T (Knights Run Rd.), to right on Mallard Bay Dr., to left on Summer Duck Ln.
*Download participation form at https://www.napsva.org/single-post/join-the-naps-creek-cleanup-sunday-sept-22-noon-3pm, fill out the highlighted fields, scan or "shoot" it, and email it to stewardship@NAPSva.org by Thursday, Sept. 5 to be guaranteed a t-shirt – be sure to indicate your size at the top of the form. All participants under 18 must have parent or guardian fill out page 2 and sign it.
Contact: Michael Ahart, michaelrahart@gmail.com
Virginia Beach, First Landing State Park
Join First Landing State Park on September 22nd, 9am - 11:30am for a cleanup!
Cleanup Location: Chesapeake Bay Beach at First Landing State Park Visitor Center
Address: 2500 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach, VA
Date: 9/22/2024
Time: 9-11:30
Please sign up here:
https://volunteersignup.org/DX3JC
Contact: Tonya Wisoker, tanya.wisoker@dcr.virginia.gov
Arlington
Join Eco Action Arlington for a cleanup at Barcroft Park / Four Mile Run. Meeting location is Barcroft Park, register at https://www.ecoactionarlington.org/events/upcoming-events/
EcoAction Arlington’s Annual Cleanup and Trash Tally is held in conjunction with Clean Virginia Waterways and sponsored globally by the Ocean Conservancy. Volunteers pick up trash and debris from Barcroft Park and collect data about the litter they remove which helps identify trends and solutions to reduce plastic pollution. This is a great event for groups, individuals or families.
Free. 10am-noon. Barcroft Park, 4200 S Four Mile Run Dr. This event is capped. There are seperate registrations for individuals and groups.
Prince William County
Volunteers Needed to Clean Occoquan River – Interested participants should register at www.pwtsc.org for any new information and cancellation updates.
On Saturday, September 21, 2024, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. (rain date September 28, 2024), Prince William Trails and Streams Coalition (PWTSC), a 501(c)3 organization, is conducting its 15th annual clean-up of the upper Occoquan River, from nine different sites along 25+ miles of the Occoquan River. The cleanup ranges from Cedar Run/Broad Run, through Lake Jackson, and from the base of Lake Jackson Dam to Hooes Run (south of Lake Ridge Marina).
During the 2023 cleanup, volunteers on both water and land collected over 1,700 pounds of trash. Homeowners’ associations, civic associations, and businesses are encouraged to come out to help in this effort.
Experienced kayakers, canoeists, Jon boaters, and pontoon boaters are also requested for the on-the-water portion of this conservation effort. Boaters are encouraged to put-in and take-out at the same access point. Should put-in and take-out locations differ, boaters will personally make transportation arrangements (no shuttle service will be available).
Clean-up points of contact are Bill McCarty (wmccarty@manassaslawyers.com) and Veronica Tangiri at waterquality@pwswcd.org (571-379-7514).
For cleanup supplies and data sheets to report cleanup data or to share pictures contact: waterquality@pwswcd.org (571-379-7514).
Newport News
Date: Saturday, September 21, please confirm time with organizer. Registration is free but required. Registration will be available at thevlm.org in late summer. This cleanup will take place at the Virginia Living Museum Grounds, Deer Park (Newport News City Park), and Deer Park Lake (sits between VLM and Deer Park)
Contact: Deanna Orr, deanna.orr@thevlm.org
Fairfax, Accotink Creek
Multiple cleanup sites for Accotink Creek
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Accotink Creek at Fairfax Blvd
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM Accotink Creek at Chain Bridge Road
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Accotink Creek at Blenheim Blvd
Contact Philip Latasa : : steward@accotink.org
Details are available at https://www.accotink.org/2024/InternationalCoastalCleanuppre-event2024.htm
Virginia Beach
Cleanup Location: Beach Garden Park
Date: Saturday, Sept. 21
Time: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. (please arrive between 8:30 a.m.-9 a.m.)
Location: Beach Garden Park
Additional details: Volunteers are being dispersed to clean as far north as 40th Street and as far south as 17th Street.
More details: https://parks.virginiabeach.gov/events-information/special-events/international-coastal-cleanup Register on-site
Fairfax County
Cleanup Location: Belle Haven Park
Cleanup Date and Time: September 21st, 9 - 11am
Contact: Jonathan Molineaux, jonathan_molineaux@nps.gov
Join Friends of Dyke Marsh and the National Park Service/George Washington Memorial Parkway for a cleanup at Belle Haven Park.
Norfolk
Multiple Locations throughout Norfolk. Sign up for more details.
The International Coastal Cleanup isn't just a regular cleanup... it's a HUGE volunteer effort to track, catalog and remove litter across Norfolk to help us better address and prevent the root causes of marine litter.
Whether you lead your International Coastal Cleanup crew or volunteer at one of the sites, YOU will be making a big difference in our community and helping Keep Norfolk Beautiful today and beyond!
Sign up here: https://forms.office.com/g/xBLJXZs0Wz
Contact: Sarah Sterzing, knb@norfolk.gov
Richmond, Belle Isle
Cleanup Location: Belle Isle, Richmond
Date and Time: September 14th, 9 am to noon
Contact: Katie Register, Katie@CleanVirginiaWaterways.org
Belle Isle, James River Park, Richmond. Belle Isle is an island in the James River that is easily reached by a footbridge that is located under the Robert E. Lee Bridge (Highway 1 and 301). From Downtown Richmond, get on East Byrd Street, then head South on South 5th Street (or South 7th Street) towards the James River. Both of these streets end at Tredegar Street. Turn RIGHT onto Tredegar Street, pass the Tredegar Iron Works, and park in the parking lot to your right (some street parking is also available). Volunteers will register BEFORE crossing over to the island. The “Big Orientation” will be at 9:15 AM, however volunteers are welcomed to arrive any time between 9:00 and 11 AM.
What to bring:
Please bring a reusable water bottle, sun screen, bug repellant, and work gloves if you have them.
What to wear:
There is poison ivy on Belle Isle, so closed shoes and long pants are recommended. A hat is always a good idea.
Can you come early or stay late?
I will need one or two volunteers to arrive at 8:15 AM to help me set up. And another one or two to stay after the cleanup (noon to 1 PM) to help me pack up. If you can come early or stay late, please send me an email! THANKS!
What time should you arrive:
Volunteers are welcome to arrive anytime between 9 AM and 11 AM. We will finish the cleanup at Noon.
Gloucester
Join Gloucester County Clean Community for a cleanup of Gloucester Point Beach Park, September 14th, 8am - 11am.
Supplies will be provided at Gloucester Point Beach Park the morning of the cleanup. Volunteers can pre-register through this link https://forms.office.com/g/EMDaKMtpc2
Contact: Sherry Kosakowski, cleancommunity@gloucesterva.info
Virginia Beach
Join Lynnhaven River NOW for a cleanup at Scarborough Square and West Neck Creek. This is land and water-based so kayaks/canoes are welcome. Please register at https://www.lynnhavenrivernow.org/waterway-cleanups/
Contact: Cristin Pullman, cristin@lrnow.org