HRA Clean-Up-a-Thon
What is the Clean-Up-A-Thon?
The Haw River Clean-Up-A-Thon is our annual clean-up event that has been raising watershed-wide awareness about the impacts of our consumption habits and bringing people together at the river and local creeks! Clean-ups are a popular way to take action for the natural spaces we love the most, and what an amazing way to show off your love for the river than to start right in your community. The 35th Annual Clean-Up-A-Thon took place on March 22, 2025, this year, and we had over 346 volunteers who retrieved 312 bags of trash and 54 tires from streams and creeks in the Haw River Watershed.
Sign up now!
The 36th Annual Clean-Up-A-Thon will occur on Saturday, March 21, 2026. Team registration is open now through March 15th, 2026, though sites and supplies are limited—so we encourage teams to sign up early! If you are an individual looking to join an existing team or participate on your own, please contact us at events@hawriver.org.
Want to help clean up by boat? Go to Haw River Canoe & Kayak’s website to reserve your boat and help clean-up around Saxapahaw Lake or the Grent Bend around Glencoe. Once you go the website, click “book a reservation” and find the “Haw River Clean-Up” option. Click it and then pick your location!
Other frequently asked questions:
How does the Clean-Up-A-Thon work?
Haw River Assembly helps participating teams identify littered locations, provides clean-up supplies, arranges trash pick-up when needed, and offers guidance to ensure a successful clean-up.
Each team must have a designated team leader who communicates with team members and leads efforts during the clean-up event. Teams can be any size—from just two or three people to larger groups.
Can I participate if I don’t have a team?
Absolutely! Email events@hawriver.org to be matched with a team or a trash trap opportunity near you. Teams will continue signing up through February, with most locations finalized by early March. Once locations are set, interested participants will receive details for sites near them.
Do you have resources or videos to help?
Yes, checkout this video for a clean-up-a-thon overview and general clean-up tips.
Support the Clean-Up-A-Thon!
The Clean-Up-A-Thon isn’t just a clean up event, it’s also a fundraiser to support our clean up and advocacy efforts throughout the year. We’re seeking event sponsors and donors to help us raise funds to keep the river clean, accessible, and beautiful for everyone! Click here to see the benefits available at each sponsorship level.
Sponsorship Levels:
Clean Up Champion ($2,500+)
Eco Enforcer ($1,500-$2,499)
Green Guardian ($1,000-$1,499)
Pollution Punisher ($500-$999)
Debris Destroyer ($200-$499)
Donations of less than $200 directed to the Clean-Up-A-Thon
will also be recognized on our Clean-Up-A-Thon Donor Roll.
Clean-Up-A-Thon Team Totals from 1991-2025