Organize a Cleanup for Earth Month 2026!
Celebrate Earth Month with Montgomery Parks! Round up your community and host a cleanup this April! Most parks will be scheduled by the end of February. We recommend scheduling early and having multiple park options!
- For adult only cleanups, apply here.
- For cleanups that will engage minors, apply here.
- Once you apply, make sure to authorize the background screening on your home page (look for the green button).
- You can offer SSL hours for students, but not your own children.
- Children must attend with a parent/guardian or you may contact us to request a release form.
Help us reuse gloves! Encourage volunteers to use their own gloves if possible. Cleanup kits include will 12 or 20 gloves max. Please return gloves to our office for reuse.
Cleanups for Individuals & Families
Individuals and families can join a cleanup hosted by Montgomery Parks. Click here to register for the next cleanup.
- New volunteers must create an account (takes about 5 minutes).
- Cleanups are pre-approved for SSL hours. Forms are provided at cleanups.
- Students must pre-register to receive SSL hours.
- Children under 14 years old must volunteer with a parent/guardian.
- Cleanups are not eligible for court-ordered service.
Organize a Group 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.
- Register your group for the appropriate application below (we ask for a two-week notice)
- We will send you a Group Leaders info packet
- Confirm your cleanup details and pick up your cleanup kit
- Have a fun, safe cleanup
- Send us your Sign-in Sheet and the Cleanup Results
Cleanup Leader 1 – Adult Group Self-Guided Cleanups
This application is for adult groups.
Group types include businesses, corporations, college student groups, and non-profit organizations (no minors)
Cleanup Leader 2 – Youth Groups & Public Cleanups (Background Check Required)
This application is for groups that are apart of a youth-based organization and/or interested in offering SSL hours at your cleanup with Montgomery Parks.
Find a Watershed Organization 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:
- Eyes of Paint Branch
- Friends of Cabin John Creek
- Friends of Sligo Creek
- Little Falls Watershed Alliance
- Muddy Branch Alliance
- Neighbors of Northwest Branch
- Seneca Creek Watershed Partners
- Watts Branch Watershed Alliance
Watershed/Nature Organizations in the DC area:
- Anacostia Riverkeepers
- Anacostia Watershed Society
- Nature Forward
- One Montgomery Green
- Potomac Conservancy
- Rock Creek Conservancy
Become a Stream Strider Volunteer Leader
Applications are currently closed. Check back in March 2026!
Stream Striders lead cleanups and educate participants about watersheds, litter, and the environment. Applications are open for adult volunteers interested in leadership, education, & community service at their local parks and trails.
How do I become a Stream Strider?
- Apply here
- Volunteer at 2 cleanups
- Complete background screening
- Complete online training
- Co-lead a cleanup!
2024 Impact on Litter in Montgomery Parks
We are so thankful to all volunteers who participate in our cleanup events and to all of the watershed organizations and community groups that organize cleanups at our parks. Here are the 2024 totals:
- 739 cleanups
- 8,064 volunteers
- 14,269.5 of service
- 148,152 pounds of trash removed *New record!
2023 totals: 493 cleanups, 6,613 volunteers, 12,649 hours, 124,215 pounds of trash removed.