Waterway Cleanup Schedule 

January 11, 2025, 9am-Noon – January Cleanup. Francis Land House. This is a land-based cleanup only. Please wear sturdy shoes and weather-appropriate clothing and bring a water bottle.

February 8, 2025, 9am-Noon – February Cleanup. Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA). This is a land-based cleanup. Please wear sturdy shoes and weather-appropriate clothing and bring a water bottle.

Want to host your own cleanup?

We have two options available.

• Groups of 15 or less can request to check out cleanup gear. Kits of grabbers, vests, gloves, and buckets are available to lend for cleanups. Trash disposal must be handled by the group. This is a great option for civic leagues, school groups, and religious communities.
• Groups larger than 15 people can request a staff led cleanup. We will coordinate planning with your group, bring supplies, and coordinate trash disposal. This is a great option for corporate groups, organizations, and days of service.

If interested, please submit a request and you will be contacted by LRNow staff.

About LRNow Waterway Cleanups

LRNow hosts cleanups along our Virginia Beach waterways to remove marine debris, improve water quality, and keep our city’s waters healthy and safe. Cleanups may be land-based and/or water-based depending on the location chosen for any given month. Please review all details carefully so you know what to expect when you arrive.

Waterway cleanups occur on the 2^nd Saturday of each month, except December, from 9 a.m. until noon. Dates and times may be changed to accommodate partnership and event opportunities. A rain date may be announced for certain sites. Most cleanups are family-friendly events.

Please register if you plan to participate in a cleanup so you do not miss important information. Coordinators email details about meetup locations, dress, safety concerns and weather updates to registered participants by email.

Participants are required to provide their own kayak or canoe and PFD (required) for water-based cleanups. Larger watercraft are not appropriate due to the limitations at launch sites.

Appropriate dress and shoe wear are required. Cleanups usually occur in brushy, thorny, and muddy terrain which require full body protection. Closed-toed, sturdy shoes that can get wet and dirty should be worn for land-based cleanups. Water shoes are appropriate in kayaks only. Bare feet are never permitted. Hats, sunscreen, insect repellent and a reusable water bottle are recommended.

Equipment and supplies provided at the cleanup:

• Trash bags
• Work gloves
• Grabbers and tongs 
• Nets
• Safety vests

Cleanups are led by highly trained volunteers and staff of Lynnhaven River NOW. Directions and safety information are provided at the beginning of each cleanup event. A first aid kit is always available for minor medical needs. Any unique medical situations should be discussed with the cleanup leader before going into the field.

If dangerous weather cancels or postpones a cleanup, registered participants will receive an email by 8 a.m. the day of the cleanup.

For more information call our office (757) 962-5398 or email cristin@lrnow.org

 This program is possible thanks to LRN’s dedicated Stewardship & Access Committee Volunteers.