April 18, 2020
Due to the outbreak of Coronavirus/COVID-19
Parks & Trails New York and the Canal Corporation have decided to postpone Canal Clean Sweep 2020
This was not an easy decision to make, but we feel that the health of all of our potential volunteers is of the utmost importance. We plan on rescheduling Clean Sweep for a date later this year; however, we are waiting to see how conditions in the state progress before setting the date.
While this event has been cancelled, the Canalway Trail remains open. We encourage you to engage in clean sweep activities (garbage and debris removal) while you are out on the trail (while following the recommended social distancing guidelines and using proper precautions). Please share pictures of your clean sweep contribution on social media using hashtag #CanalCleanSweep2020 and we’ll send you an exclusive Canalway swag!
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.
Event 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.
