The Muddy River Cleanup is a part of the Annual Earth Day Charles River Cleanup, one of the largest Earth Day volunteer events in the nation, bringing together thousands of volunteers across the entire Charles River watershed. Each year, participants help remove litter and debris, beautify parks and riverbanks, and restore habitat for local wildlife.
By joining the Muddy River Cleanup, you become part of a regional effort that strengthens our shared green spaces, builds community, and inspires environmental stewardship. More than 3,000 volunteers take part annually along all 80 miles of the Charles River, motivated by a desire to give back while enjoying the river’s beauty and wildlife. Many return throughout the year to exercise, play, and reconnect with the river they helped care for.
Press Release: 2026 Charles River Cleanup
Registration is required, please sign up below!
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where will the Muddy River Cleanup take place?
The cleanup will take place from 10:00AM-12:00PM on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at multiple locations in the Emerald Necklace.
All volunteers are invited to come back to the James Michael Curley House after the cleanup for a picnic lunch, generously sponsored by Anna’s Taqueria.
What supplies are provided for the cleanup?
Trash bags, gloves, and trash grabbers (depending on site and availability) will be provided. All tools that have to be returned will be sanitized before and after the event. At the completion of the cleanup, volunteers will stack the trash, which will be collected by municipal public works departments or the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. Each volunteer team will fill out a form reporting how many pounds of trash they collected and what items they found.
Is there a rain date?
The Muddy River Cleanup will be held rain or shine! However, we will make a judgement call in extreme weather situations and will work with volunteers to reschedule them for another date and time to participate in the cleanup in the event we must cancel.
Where can I get more information about a specific cleanup site event?
Once your registration is confirmed for a specific site and date, you will be sent an email on details of your specific cleanup site, including public transit and vehicular navigation, the best areas to park, where to meet, and general health and safety guidelines.
If you need specific information prior to registration, please email volunteer@emeraldnecklace.org.
How can I sign up as a corporate-sponsored group?
Group registration for the Muddy River Cleanup will open through this form on February 3 and remain open until all sites are at capacity.
The rates for corporate groups are as follows:
- Groups of 1-10 = $2,000
- Groups of 11-20 = $4,000
- Groups of 21-30 = $6,000
- Groups of 31-40 = $8,000
- Groups of 41-50 = $10,000
- Groups of 51-60 = $12,000
- Groups of 61-70 = $14,000
- Groups of 100+ = Please Inquire
For more information on supporting the Conservancy through donations, please refer to https://www.emeraldnecklace.org/donate/.
How can I sign up as a non-profit or school group?
While we suggest a donation for non-profits and schools to help support the execution of this event, we want all who wish to participate in the cleanup to be able to and can work with non-profits and schools on a special rate. For more information, please contact volunteer@emeraldnecklace.org and include “Muddy River Cleanup [Non-Profit or School]: [Insert Group Name Here]” in the subject line.
