Central New York residents looking to make a difference this spring can join the 21st annual Canal Clean Sweep happening April 17-19, 2026. The statewide initiative aims to prepare New York’s historic canal system for the upcoming navigation season.
Organized by Parks & Trails New York in partnership with the New York State Canal Corporation, the event brings communities together to remove litter and debris from trails, greenways, and waterways across the state.
Volunteers will focus on cleaning the Erie Canalway Trail, Oswego Canal Trail, Black River Canal, and nearby routes like the Chenango Canal Towpath Trail, which accumulate significant debris during winter months.
“By volunteering, you help remove litter, improve public spaces, and prepare the Canalway Trail for the busy spring and summer seasons,” according to Parks & Trails New York.
Last year’s cleanup effort made a substantial impact, with 1,038 volunteers removing 48,132 pounds of trash—equivalent to the weight of a fully loaded semi-truck—from more than 125 miles of trail and shoreline.
Residents in Oneida and Herkimer Counties, along with those in Niagara, Orleans, Monroe, Wayne, Warren, and Washington Counties, can participate by joining an existing cleanup or hosting their own event. Cleanup hosts will:
– Choose a location
– Set the date and time
– Coordinate volunteers
– Distribute supplies (provided by Parks & Trails New York)
– Create a community-focused event
The timing of the Canal Clean Sweep aligns perfectly with Earth Day celebrations, offering an opportunity for environmental stewardship while strengthening local communities.
The cleanup helps prepare the canal system for its navigation season, which begins in May. This year marks the 202nd season for the New York State Canal System.
Those interested in volunteering can register online for an existing cleanup location or sign up to host their own event through the Adopt-a-Trail program.