The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission
News Events

VSO – Watershed Cleanups

Two student volunteers cleaning up trash from park. They carry trash bags full of trash. Green grass and tree in the background
Group of student volunteers taking a group photo at a cleanup event.
Group photo of volunteers from the cleanup at Wheaton Claridge Local Park for MLK Day
Group of student volunteers taking a group photo at a cleanup event.
Group photo of volunteers from the cleanup at Wheaton Claridge Local Park for MLK Day

No matter where you are in Montgomery County, you are part of a watershed. Litter can make its way to the Potomac River, the Chesapeake Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean. Volunteers like you help keep the environment cleaner and safer for wildlife, plants and people!

Join the Next Cleanup

Long-term Opportunity: Become a Stream Strider Volunteer

Stream Striders Watershed Leadership Program. Background of water ripples, image of water strider in blue. Lead, Educated, Conserve.

Applications are open!

Stream Striders lead cleanups and educate participants about watersheds, litter, and the environment. Applications are open for adult volunteers interested in leadership, education, & community service at their local parks and trails.

How do I become a Stream Strider?

  1. Apply here
  2. Volunteer at 2 cleanups
  3. Complete background screening
  4. Complete online training
  5. Co-lead a cleanup!
Branding for Stream Striders Watershed Leadership Program.

Cleanups for Individuals & Families 

Individuals and families can join a cleanup hosted by Montgomery Parks. Click here to register for the next cleanup.

  • New volunteers must create an account (takes about 5 minutes).
  • Cleanups are pre-approved for SSL hours. Forms are provided at cleanups.
  • Students must pre-register to receive SSL hours.
  • Children under 14 years old must volunteer with a parent/guardian.
  • Cleanups are not eligible for court-ordered service.
Branding for Join a cleanup volunteer opportunity.

Organize a Group Cleanup

Scout troops, corporate groups, student groups, and community organizations can schedule a group cleanup day at a park or stream! Cleanups are open to all ages, but group leaders must be 18+ to register.

  1. Register your group for the appropriate application below (we ask for a two-week notice)
  2. We will send you a Group Leaders info packet
  3. Confirm your cleanup details and pick up your cleanup kit
  4. Have a fun, safe cleanup
  5. Send us your Sign-in Sheet and the Cleanup Results

Cleanup Leader 1 – Adult Group Self-Guided Cleanups

This application is for adult groups.

Group types include businesses, corporations, college student groups, and non-profit organizations (no minors)

Apply here!

Cleanup Leader 2 – Youth Groups & Public Cleanups (Background Check Required)

This application is for groups that are apart of a youth-based organization and/or interested in offering SSL hours at your cleanup with Montgomery Parks.

Apply here!

Find a Watershed Organization Near You

Looking for more ways to get involved? Several local watershed organizations host cleanups, restoration projects, and events in Montgomery County.

Watershed Groups in Montgomery County:

  • Eyes of Paint Branch
  • Friends of Cabin John Creek
  • Friends of Sligo Creek
  • Little Falls Watershed Alliance
  • Muddy Branch Alliance
  • Neighbors of Northwest Branch 
  • Seneca Creek Watershed Partners
  • Watts Branch Watershed Alliance

Watershed/Nature Organizations in the DC area:

  • Anacostia Riverkeepers
  • Anacostia Watershed Society
  • Nature Forward
  • One Montgomery Green
  • Potomac Conservancy
  • Rock Creek Conservancy

Earth Month 2025 Impact Summary

Thanks to everyone who volunteered to clean up our parks and remove non-native invasive plants!

2024 Impact on Litter in Montgomery Parks

2024 Watershed Cleanups Program Metrics. Graphics to illustrate program data included in the description.

We are so thankful to all volunteers who participate in our cleanup events and to all of the watershed organizations and community groups that organize cleanups at our parks. Here are the 2024 totals:

  • 739 cleanups
  • 8,064 volunteers
  • 14,269.5 of service
  • 148,152 pounds of trash removed *New record!

2023 totals: 493 cleanups, 6,613 volunteers, 12,649 hours, 124,215 pounds of trash removed.