April 20, 2024 | 9am – 12pm

Join more than 1,000 volunteers across the Raritan River watershed to clean up our waterways for Raritan Headwaters’ 34th Annual Stream Cleanup. In celebration of Earth Week, volunteers come together to clean up our rivers and streams, working to protect essential water supplies across Hunterdon, Morris, and Somerset counties.

Last year’s Stream Cleanup was a resounding success and an incredible show of teamwork and volunteerism. More than 1,000 citizens removed 11 tons of trash and recyclables that threaten our drinking water supplies and wildlife. The impact of this extraordinary effort reaches beyond our watershed region – downstream to Raritan Bay and ultimately, the Atlantic Ocean. This event is fundamental in protecting clean water but also beautifies precious outdoor spaces and provides safe access for residents to experience the benefits of outdoor recreation.

It only takes three hours to make a big impact.

Volunteer Registration

Things to Know

Each participant must provide their name and contact information and agree to follow our safety protocols.

• During registration you will be asked to agree to our Volunteer Release of Liability and Assumption of Risk Agreement. A parent/guardian must agree to these documents for minors.
• Please register by April 1 to guarantee supplies. Registration closes April 12th.
• Safety Protocols
• Stream Site Manual

How to Register

1. View Map below. Select a site close to where you live.
   Sites with these icons are open for registrations.
   Sites with these icons are open for registration but are not recommended for children under the age of 12.
   Sites with these icons are open for registration but are not recommended for children under the age of 8.Site with these  icons are full/reserved. Click on a blue icon to reveal details about the site. Click on “more info” to register.
2. On the registration page, fill out the form and select your site number. If you do not remember your site number go to the map and click on the site. On the top of the pop-up is the site number.
3. If you have questions you may reach the Stream Cleanup Manager at streamcleanup@raritanheadwaters.org.

Be Prepared

What to Bring

• Reusable water bottle -stay hydrated!
• RHA will not be providing snacks and drinks as we have in the past.
• Trash pickers- if you got ’em bring ’em!
• Work gloves – RHA provides gloves but you are welcome to bring and wear your own work gloves. (Fabric gloves with rubber palms work best.)
• Clipboard – please bring a clipboard to use for data sheets. Data sheets are important for RHA to track the amount of trash picked up each year.
• Change of shoes and a small towel in your car if you plan on going somewhere afterward.

What to Wear

No one is required to get into the stream.

The majority of litter is typically along the stream bank edges, access points, walking paths and parking areas.

• This event is rain or shine, dress accordingly! (i.e. if it’s raining, wear a raincoat)
• Please wear long sleeves, long pants to protect from tree branches, briars, ticks and other insects.
• Sturdy shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty and wet. (don’t be wearing those new white Gucci’s!)
• Hats, sunscreen and bug spray are also recommended.
• If weather, stream depth, stream flow and access is safe and you plan to enter the stream, come prepared with rubber boots or waders.

Logistics

On the morning of the cleanup:

• Arrive on time and check in with the site leader.
• Listen to and follow all directions and safety protocols for the event.
• The Site Leader will orient you to the site and explain the area to be cleaned up.
• We will provide you with gloves, trash and recycling bags and a data collection card. (please feel free to bring your own work gloves)
• Keep an accurate count of the amount and type of litter you pick up and record it on the provided data card.
• When the stream cleanup is over, bring your litter bags and other debris to the designated drop off spot at your site.
• Kids are welcome to participate in this service project with an adult.
• Keep a close eye on your children throughout the event – their safety is paramount.

Social Media

Let’s get this trending!

• Post pictures and videos on Facebook to Raritan Headwaters’ 34th Annual Stream Cleanup event page.
• We also encourage volunteers to post pictures on their personal Instagram, Stories, Reels, TikTok and Facebook
• Use hashtag #CleanStreams #rivercleanup #RHAstreamcleanup  #plasticpollutes

Want to do more?

Sponsor a stream cleanup site! Click here to view our sponsorship opportunities and benefits. If you would like to pay online, visit our volunteer registration page here. Contact Kate Arnao, Development Assistant at 908-234-1852 x319 for more information.

Do you have a stream site that needs to be cleaned up?

We are always looking for new sites for our event. Your help is appreciated!

Thank You to our Sponsors

Look at all the fun we’ve had at past Stream Cleanups!