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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

Earth Month 2025

Join us for an Earth Month cleanup! See our Upcoming Events section to find a cleanup near you.
Happy Earth Month graphic. The earth with a smile on it over a teal background and little hearts surrounding it.

April Cleanups hosted by Watershed Partners:

Rock Creek Conservancy Extreme Cleanups | All April

Little Falls Watershed Alliance Sweep the Creek | 4/12

Friends of Sligo Creek Sweep the Creek | 4/12-4/13

Potomac Conservancy Cleanup at Winding Creek Park | 4/19

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

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.

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:

Watershed/Nature Organizations in the DC area:

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.

Update: Applications will open again in May 2025

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 (check back in May)
  2. Volunteer at 2 cleanups
  3. Complete a background screening
  4. Complete an online training
  5. Co-lead a cleanup!