Saturday, April 18, 2026 – two locations on the same day!

Celebrate Earth Day by joining us for our first Genesee River cleanups of the 2026 season. Yes, we meant cleanups with an “s.” There are two of them for you to choose from!   Both of them are Saturday, April 18, 2026 – just a few days before Earth Day 2026 on April 22.   One will go from 9 am – 11 am and focus on the area around the Lower Falls in Rochester. Volunteers may park in the lot for the Seth Green Drive Fishing Access Site, located on Seth Green Drive off St. Paul Street. The cleanup area is a 10-15 minute walk down a slope to the bottom of the river gorge.    The effort is co-sponsored with Haley & Aldrich, a Rochester environmental and engineering firm that is a long-time RiverWatch partner.

There’s a parking lot at the top of Seth Green Drive; it’s not enormous and if you can share a ride with someone, that might be helpful. The pin on this map will help you find the lot.   https://maps.app.goo.gl/6y82h8wxVfDepkDKA  

The other cleanup will go from 10 am – 12 noon and focus on the area around Genesee Gateway Park, which is located at 151 Mt. Hope Avenue just south of downtown Rochester. There’s some parking at the park, and additional spaces in the Spectrum lot to the north.   We’re co-sponsoring this one with the South Wedge Planning Committee and Walking for Rochester, a cleanup nonprofit.    Both cleanups are officially part of the Canal Clean Sweep, an event organized by Parks & Trails New York. You may, if you wish, sign up via that website to attend either event.

Remember to dress for the weather in sturdy clothes and footwear that can withstand a few splashes. Work gloves and cleanup equipment will be provided, though feel free to bring your own if you like. We hope to see you at one spot or the other on Earth Day weekend!

And remember – your donations are always welcome to support our activities and events! We appreciate any amount you are able to give — thank you!