Potomac River Watershed Cleanup
What Volunteers Should Expect

• Volunteers should arrive by 9am and will work no later than 12pm (unless they really, really want to!)
• Trash bags and gloves will be provided to all volunteers. Feel free to bring along your own work gloves, rakes, or grabbers.
• Clothes and shoes may get dirty. Wear old clothing that is weather appropriate and bring extra layers. If working near water, waterproof boots or waders may be helpful.
• Not all cleanup sites are child-friendly or handicap accessible. Each cleanup site offers different amenities. Contact the site leader or check the notes listed for a specific site to determine site specifics.
• Expect moderate-to-difficult work that requires lifting bags, bending over and walking on rocky/slippery terrain. Other less strenuous volunteer jobs such as volunteer check-in and recording data are also needed. Check with your site leader for specific volunteer tasks.

Cleanup FAQs

How can I contact the Alice Ferguson Foundation? Three easy ways to contact us are:

1. Enter your information on our Contact Form
2. Send us an e-mail at:
3. Call Cleanup Manager or AFF staff at 301-292-5665

How do I find a site near me? Click on "Cleanup Sites" in the navigation menu to the left or here. Find a site in your area and contact the site leader to volunteer.

Does a Cleanup site have to be along the water? NO, you can start a Cleanup site anywhere! The Potomac Watershed is all the land area that drains into the Potomac River. Cleaning up a street, schoolyard, or park gets rid of the trash before it goes into storm drains or other waterways that dump into the Potomac.

Directions to the Cleanup: Cleanup Sites are located throughout the region in different states, counties, parks, etc. Most cleanup sites will have the directions listed with their site information. Visit “Cleanup Sites” for a list of participating states and counties. If no directions are listed, contact the site leader for driving/parking information. (Note: "Adopted" sites do not list directions because they do not need additional volunteers.)

What does it mean when the site is listed as "adopted"? Adopted means that a specific group will be handling the cleanup at that site and no other volunteers are needed. Adopting a site is perfect for scout troops, churches, businesses or other organizations that have a unified volunteer base.

Can I start a new site near me? Yes, we are always in need of new Cleanup sites. However, we ask that you contact the Alice Ferguson Foundation as soon as possible to ensure adequate supplies and data tracking. We’ll need to know the county and site that you are interested in. Call 301-292-6665, or e-mail . Also, check the “Getting Started as a New Site Leader” to see what is required.

How can school groups or scouts troops participate?

• School groups can do schoolyard cleanups prior to the event which can involve your science class or environmental club. Participating students can fulfill required service learning hours.
• Scouts can help at cleanup sites in their area on the day of the event. Often, scout troops will "adopt" the site because they can provide their own volunteers and achieve a group accomplishment. (Adopting a site means that no outside volunteers are sent to help.) The cleanup works towards the Water Drop patch for Girl Scouts and a Conservation patch for Boy Scouts.

What happens if there is inclement weather? The Cleanup still happens in the rain, and despite what you may think, wet weather can make the day even more fun. Most sites follow the "Rain or Shine" policy. However, it is best to contact the site leader to check their policy. In the event of severe storm warnings or environmental hazards, AFF will contact site leaders and post cancellations on this website.

Will this count for my community service hours? Only the director of your community service project can officially approve required service hours. However, most area schools allow this for service project, service learning and student volunteer hour requirements. Contact your community service director and the site leader to ensure credit for your effort.

How can my business get involved with the cleanup? Businesses can become financial sponsors, donate in-kind goods and services, OR provide employee volunteers for the PRWC. We urge ALL area businesses to promote the event, encourage employees to volunteer and adopt/participate at a site in their community. There are many unique options to support this grassroots event. Become a sponsor! or contact the Cleanup Coordinator for more information: .