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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

Featured Cleanup:

11/26 Northwest Branch Stream Valley Cleanup!

  • No School Tuesday!
  • 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  • Must be 14 years old & up
  • 9316 Piney Branch Rd, Silver Spring MD 20903
  • Register Here
Group photo of volunteers from the cleanup at Wheaton Claridge Local Park for MLK Day

Long-term Volunteer Opportunity: Become a Stream Strider

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

We’re accepting applications this Fall! 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.

Branding for Stream Striders Watershed Leadership Program.

How do I become a Stream Strider?

  1. Apply here
  2. Volunteer at 2 cleanups
  3. Complete a background screening
  4. Complete an online training
  5. Co-lead a cleanup!

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.

Branding for Organize a cleanup volunteer opportunity.
  1. Register your group here (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

Featured Event: H2O Summit

Flyer for H2O Summit 2024. Photos of people at tabling event and people presenting. Event details provided at the link below image.

Click Here to Register

Find a Watershed Group 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:

Watershed/Nature Organizations in the DC area:

Earth Month 2024 Wrap-Up!

Our Volunteers Count graphic. Earth Month 2024 Wrap up. Thanks to all businesses, non-profit organizations, religious groups, community groups, and individual volunteers that celebrated Earth Month 2024 with Montgomery Parks! We had 158 cleanups throughout our parks this April where 1,926 volunteers helped removed approximately 31,353 pounds of trash from parks, trails, and streams. They contributed 3,704 hours of service towards cleanups which equals a value of $129,603 according to the current value of volunteer time.

Thanks to all businesses, non-profit organizations, religious groups, community groups, and individual volunteers that celebrated Earth Month 2024 with Montgomery Parks! We had 158 cleanups throughout our parks this April where 1,926 volunteers helped removed approximately 31,353 pounds of trash from parks, trails, and streams. Our parks are cleaner and safer now thanks to you!

Montgomery Parks Volunteer Impact on Litter in 2023

We are so thankful to all volunteers who participate in our cleanup events and to all of the watershed organizations, community groups, corporations, religious institutions and youth groups that organize cleanups at our parks. Here are the 2023 totals:

  • 477 cleanup events
  • 6,463 volunteers
  • 12,649 hours of service
  • 121,978 pounds of trash removed
Map of all cleanups that occurred in Montgomery Parks in 2023.
Map of all cleanups that occurred in Montgomery Parks in 2023. Each circle with a number represents the number of cleanups that took place in that location.