The 25th Earth Day Charles River Cleanup, giving back to the river and parks that are a centerpiece of the community, will take place from 10 a.m. to noon on April 19 and 20, 2024.  Volunteers and groups will clean up an assigned stretch of the Charles River Basin (Cambridge, Watertown and Allston/Brighton).

The annual event builds on a national effort as part of American Rivers’ National River Cleanup, which to date, has removed over 25 million pounds of trash from America’s waterways. From 2016 to 2019, it was recognized by American Rivers for the Most Pounds of Trash Collected and Most Volunteers Mobilized.​

The Charles River Cleanup involves partner groups that recruit 3,500-plus community and corporate volunteers each year to pick up litter along the waterway. Residents are drawn to support their community while enjoying the beauty and wildlife along the river. Volunteers hold onto the connections made through participating by returning to the Charles to exercise, play and enjoy nature year-round.

Through programming and projects, The Charles River Conservancy strives to make the river and its parks a well-maintained network of natural urban places that invite and engage all in their use and stewardship.