Join us for the 27th Annual Charles River Cleanup on the Esplanade (rain or shine), taking place on Friday, April 24 and Saturday, April 25 from 10am to 12pm! We're looking for individuals & families, to help us in cleaning up our beautiful riverfront park through our annual Charles River Cleanup event.

Please note this registration page is for individual volunteers such as families and friends volunteering together. If you are a community group or corporate group, please fill out this form or reach out to mryan@esplanade.org.

The 2026 Charles River Cleanup on the Esplanade is part of this year’s 27th Annual Charles River Cleanup, a collaborative cleanup effort along the Charles River organized by the Esplanade Association, Charles River Watershed Association, Charles River Conservancy, Massachusetts, Emerald Necklace Conservancy, Muddy Water Initiative, Waltham Land Trust, and the MA Department of Conservation and Recreation. The Charles River Cleanup is annually the biggest volunteer cleanup event for the Esplanade Association, bringing together over 1000 volunteers across 2 days for park stewardship and camaraderie.

Registration is capped currently at 75 individuals per day to ensure we have enough space for groups registering together as well. Please sign up on the waitlist if at capacity as we plan to open more spots as we near the event. Waitlist will be in order based on when you sign up. Please cancel if no longer able to attend to allow others the opportunity. For any inquiries please email Volunteer & Sustainability Coordinator, Molly Ryan, at volunteers@esplanade.org and read our FAQs.

Below you will find a summary of the information needed for the day. Please note that this is subject to change so please be on the lookout for email communications as we near the event. Please read carefully.

MEETING LOCATION: Benches near “Patterned Behavior”
NEAREST FOOTBRIDGE: Massachusetts Avenue Footbridge that goes into the Esplanade
NEAREST T-STOP: Hynes Convention Center (green line)
PARKING: Parking is not available on the Esplanade. We recommend that volunteers take the T to the Park. If you want to drive you can always park at one of the garages in the area.
CLOTHING: This event is rain or shine, so please dress accordingly! Close-toed shoes are necessary for your safety. We will provide gloves and trash bags, as well as trash pickers.
WAIVER: Please complete the online waiver. This will be REQUIRED to participate. If you have any issues, we will have paper version available at check-in. Youth waivers are required for anyone under the age of 18. If you have questions, please reach out to volunteers@esplanade.org.

Work is done in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation.

About the Esplanade Association (EA):

The Esplanade Association (Esplanade.org) is a nonprofit organization that works to revitalize and enhance the Charles River Esplanade, sustain its natural green space, and build community in the park by providing educational, cultural, and recreational programs for everyone.

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Visit Esplanade.org/Events to learn about upcoming events and programs on the Esplanade.

Contact the host of 2026 Charles River Cleanup on the Esplanade (Individuals only)