April 18, 2020
THANK YOU to all the great volunteers who came out for a Canal Clean Sweep event!
Canal Clean Sweep was held the weekend of April 26 to 28, 2019, 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.
The 2019 Canal Clean Sweep was supported by the Clean Trail Initiative!
Stay tuned for information on the 15th Annual Canal Clean Sweep coming in April 2020!
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 26-29, 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
More information about organizing a Canal Clean Sweep event for 2020 will be available early next year. If you have any questions, feel free to email canalsweep@ptny.org.
Volunteer Registration
More information about volunteering for a Canal Clean Sweep event for 2020 will be available early next year. If you have any questions, feel free to email canalsweep@ptny.org.2019 Event Finder Map
WhadjaFind?
Canal Clean Sweep has come to be known as much for the strange things that are found every year as the noble dedication of organizers and volunteers or the event's great community spirit. That's where the #WhadjaFind? competition comes in. Organizers submit photos of their strange finds, and great spirit of volunteers to win Erie Canalway Trail swag.
Join us in congratulating our 2019 #WhadjaFind? competition winners!
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.
