Join us for a unique volunteer event! Hike through scenic local parks while gathering unwanted waste along the way. We have found tires, beds, and many treasures during our 20+ years of cleaning up the river. Who knows what you will uncover this year?!
Advanced registration is required.
Canoes are not guaranteed and are assigned on a first come registration basis.
Ages 14+ only for canoe access.
This event will happen rain or shine. If weather and river conditions do not permit us to float the river, we will hike local trails and clean up waste and invasive species.
Event details:
7:15 AM | Canoe/ Kayak drop off at Harpersfield Covered Bridge
7:15 AM | Volunteer check-in at Hidden Valley Park Shelter
8:00 AM | Welcome and safety overview / Shuttle to canoes at Harpersfield
8:30 AM – 12:00 PM | River cleanup or Ground cleanup
12:00 – 2:00 PM | Hot lunch (The time volunteers arrive for lunch greatly depends on the speed and height of the river. Lunch will be available until everyone is back on land!)
Volunteer check-in and lunch location starting at 7:15 AM:
Lake Metroparks Hidden Valley Park Shelter, 4872 Klasen Road, Madison Twp., OH 44057
Take I-90 to Rt. 528 south for 1.5 miles. Turn right (west) onto Klasen Road. Hidden Valley Park is near the end of Klasen Road on the left. Click here for a map of the park.
Canoe and Kayak drop off location starting at 7:15 AM:
If you are bringing your own canoe or kayak, you will need to drop it off at Harpersfield Covered Bridge. This is located at Harpersfield Covered Bridge, 1122 Harpersfield Rd, Geneva, OH 44041. You can leave it there with a Land Conservancy staff member and drive to the volunteer check-in station. (Click here for directions to Harpersfield Covered Bridge Metropark & Hidden Valley Metropark.) You may park at Hidden Valley Park and will be shuttled to your canoe/kayak. You must sign in at the volunteer check-in station to participate in this cleanup.
Don’t have a canoe or kayak?
No problem! Some loaned canoes will travel the upper and some will travel the lower section of the river. Volunteers will be shuttled back to the Hidden Valley Park Shelter for lunch at noon or when you have completed your section of the river. Lunch will remain out until everyone is back on land.
Parking:
Ample parking is available on site.
Attire:
Please wear comfortable clothing that you do not mind getting wet or dirty. Close-toed shoes are recommended. Volunteers are encouraged to bring: bug spray, sunscreen, reusable water bottles, gloves, hats, and sunglasses.
Food:
Water, coffee, and donuts will be provided at check-in. Hot lunch will be provided at noon and remain out until all volunteers are back on land.
Groups:
If you would like to be paired with a group or another person, please register together to be assigned to the same section of the river. Please contact mkaufman@wrlandconservancy.org with any questions you may have.
Register here:
PLEASE NOTE: You may be photographed or recorded by the Western Reserve Land Conservancy during this event. Your image or words may be used in materials prepared by or for the Land Conservancy, including marketing related materials.