Join the Earth Day Celebration April 17-19
Volunteers across New York State are invited to join the 21st annual Canal Clean Sweep, the state’s largest Earth Day clean-up event, taking place April 17-19. This year, more than 100 clean-up events along the 524-mile New York State Canal System and the 400-mile Canalway Trail are expected to engage over 2,500 volunteers.
Canal Clean Sweep, organized by Parks & Trails New York, in partnership with the New York State Canal Corporation, is a hands-on way for residents to give back to their communities, protect one of New York’s most iconic cultural and recreational resources, and enjoy the outdoors during Earth Day weekend.
In recent years, the Canalway Trail system has seen record use, propelled by the completion of the Empire State Trail and growing interest in outdoor recreation. Canal Clean Sweep volunteers can help keep these trails clean and well-maintained, ensuring they remain a valued resource for both local residents and visitors.
How to Volunteer:
Sign up through the interactive map at www.ptny.org/events/canal-clean-sweep to choose your preferred clean-up location and date. Most events occur April 17-19, though some may be scheduled slightly earlier or later. Private events require direct contact with the host.
Parks & Trails New York Executive Director Paul Steely White said,”Every spring, Canal Clean Sweep reminds us what these waterways are worth. Stretching from the Erie to the Champlain, New York’s canals have shaped communities, economies, and identities for generations. Canal Clean Sweep brings volunteers together to clear trails, pick up litter, and help these beloved places shine for another summer season. It’s hands-on work, but it’s also a celebration of shared history, of the outdoors we cherish, and of the people who love these places enough to roll up their sleeves and protect them.”
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