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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
A group of volunteers heading to the cleanup area.
Three student volunteers walking down a gravel trail with trash bags in autumn. Trees, plants, and trees in the background.
A group of volunteers heading to the cleanup area.
Three student volunteers walking down a gravel trail with trash bags in autumn. Trees, plants, and trees in the background.

No matter where you are in Montgomery County, you are part of a watershed. A watershed is an area of land that drains to a river or stream. Stormwater runoff can cause litter to make its way to the Potomac River, the Chesapeake Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean. Volunteers like you can help keep the environment cleaner and safer for wildlife, plants and people!

Join the Next Cleanup

Earth Month 2024 Wrap-Up!
Our Volunteers Count

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!

Cleanups for Individuals & Families 

young volunteer holding trash bags and litter grabber, text reads individuals or families

Individuals and families can join a cleanup hosted by Montgomery Parks staff or volunteer leaders.

Click here to register for the next cleanup.

Please note:

  • New volunteers must create a volunteer account (takes about 5 minutes).
  • All cleanups are pre-approved for SSL hours. Forms are provided at the cleanup.
  • Students receiving SSL hours must pre-register.
  • Children under 14 years old must volunteer with a parent/guardian.
  • This opportunity is not eligible for court-ordered service.
  • If a cleanup is not listed, the event is full.

Organize a Group Cleanup

volunteers at trash 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 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

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:

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.