The Annual Earth Day Charles River Cleanup brings together over 3,000 volunteers each year to pick up litter, remove invasive species and assist with park maintenance. Residents are drawn to the popular Charles River Cleanup from a desire to give back to their community while enjoying the beauty and wildlife along the Charles River. Volunteers build on the connections they establish during this day of stewardship by returning to the Charles to exercise, play and enjoy nature throughout the year.

The Annual Earth Day Charles River Cleanup 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. In 2016, 2017, and 2018 the Annual Earth Day Charles River Cleanup was recognized by American Rivers for the Most Volunteers Mobilized and Most Pounds of Trash Collected.