April 18, 2025
Canal Clean Sweep is an annual statewide clean-up event that occurs along major greenways across New York State to celebrate Earth Day. Clean-ups primarily occur along the Erie and Champlain Canalways, the Glens Falls Feeder Canal, the Black River Feeder Canal, and the Rochester Riverway.
Sponsored by the New York State Canal Corporation, Parks & Trails New York has been responsible for executing Canal Clean Sweep for 19 years. Typically, this weekend witnesses 100+ spring clean-ups along major greenways, in canalside parks, and in other public areas throughout the Canal corridor.
This year, we're hosting Canal Clean Sweep the weekend of April 18-20. In 2024, More than 190 clean-up events were held along the Canal and Canalway Trail, with an estimated turnout of over 3,000 volunteers!
We want to thank everyone that turned out - scout clubs to Rotary and Kiwanis chapters, Adopt-a-Trail groups, nature clubs, college students, church groups, elected officials, sports teams, and local businesses - to support the Canal and Canalway Trail System.
Adopt-a-Trail
Want to carry the spirit of Clean Sweep through the entire year? The Canalway Trail Adopt-a-Trail program might just be what you're looking for are. Groups that register as trail adopters perform routine maintenance tasks on their local trail section, including picking up litter, trimming brush, and raking.
If you'd like to get involved, email canaltrail@ptny.org for more information.