April 18, 2020
Join us for the 15th annual Canal Clean Sweep!
Canal Clean Sweep will be held on the weekend of April 17-19, 2020, with events also occurring in the weeks leading up to and after that weekend.
Each Earth Day, the NYS Canal Corporation and Parks & Trails New York host Canal Clean Sweep, a day of spring cleaning on sections of the Canalway Trail, in canalside parks, and in other public areas throughout the Canal corridor.
How Clean Sweep Works
- Get a group together & pick your favorite Canalway Trail section or other trailside area
- Pick a date for some spring cleaning (We recommend the weekend of April 17-19, but it's up to you!)
- Register your event- we'll put it on our interactive event map (below)
- Promote your event through local media and ask volunteers to register
- Have fun & get to work!
Organizer Registration
Host an event for our 15th annual Canal Clean Sweep! Are you and a group of others wondering how you can participate in Earth Day this year? Sign up today to take part in New York’s largest Earth Day celebration. Registration is easier than ever and we even provide supplies to help you get the job done.
Already participating as a volunteer at somebody else’s event? Go to the Volunteer Registration section below for more information.
Volunteer Registration
Join us for our 15th annual Canal Clean Sweep! Sign up as a volunteer today to participate in New York’s largest Earth Day celebration. Registration is important in order to ensure the necessary amount of materials are provided for each event including trash bags and t-shirts. View a list of all organized events below at our 2020 Event Finder Map.
Can’t find an event near you? Host your own! Go to the Organizer Registration section above for more information.
Registration for volunteers will open in March 2020.
2020 Event Finder Map
Highlights from Canal Clean Sweep 2019
Best Clean Sweep Spirit: BSA Troop & Cub Scout Pack 35
These Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts exemplified the Scout Law by braving cold weather and snow during their Clean Sweep event. They did an exceptional job picking up litter from the culvert under the canal and on the towpaths.
Strangest Trash Find: Village of Ilion
Volunteers at the Second Annual Ilion Canal Clean Up found this oddity: a baby walker! The event organizer said "thank goodness the individual that threw this out the window didn't throw the baby with it!"
Biggest Trash "Collection": Minetto Beautification
This group is small but mighty! They collected all sorts of litter; everything from non-returnable cans and bottles to foam bait boxes to fast food cups. Nice work!
Adopt-a-Trail
Another way to show your appreciaton for the Canalway Trail is by adopting a trail section through the Adopt-a-Trail program. Contact PTNY at canaltrail@ptny.org or 518-434-1583 for more information.
