Communities across the region were alive with volunteers this April in celebration of Earth Month and the 2025 Susquehanna Greenway Cleanup Month. 

Throughout the month, partnering communities and organizations from across the Commonwealth organized 24 events that attracted over 850 volunteers and collectively removed more than 81,261 of pounds of litter from area parks, trails, and communities along the Susquehanna River—and the reports are still coming in! 

SGP Cleanup at Milton State Park in Milton

SGP Cleanup at Milton State Park in Milton

Volunteers of the Montour Area Recreation Commission and the Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau cleanup at Briar Creek Lake Park in Berwick

Events organized and led by local groups and organizations were held in the communities of Sayre, Falls, Bloomsburg, Danville, Clearfield, Mill Hall, Jersey Shore, Newberry, Williamsport, South Williamsport, Montgomery, Watsontown, Milton, Selinsgrove, Sunbury, Halifax, Harrisburg, Mechanicsburg, and Steelton. 

“We continue to be amazed at how this initiative has grown year after year. The momentum never fails to build—each season brings even more incredible organizations and dedicated volunteers who step up to do their part,” explains SGP Executive Director Leslie Warriner. “It’s inspiring to witness, and we’re excited to see the energy and enthusiasm continue to grow across the Greenway.” 

The Susquehanna Greenway Partnership (SGP) supports cleanup efforts and events in a variety of ways depending on the experience and needs of the event host. Assistance includes convening the interested parties, providing promotional assistance, sharing resources for event planning and organization, answering questions and offering support for litter disposal, soliciting volunteers, identifying locations and coordinating with site owners, hosting groups, and securing no-cost cleanup materials such as bags, gloves, and safety vests. These supplies were acquired through the Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful initiative, which offers registered events free materials via a collaborative partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, PennDOT, and Keep America Beautiful Program.  

Volunteers at the Newberry Community Cleanup in Newberry

The astounding results, organized by communities, are as follows: 

• Sayre: Volunteers led by Futurescapes cleaned up the Diahoga Trail between Athens & Sayre. (numbers not yet reported) 
• Falls: Endless Mountains Heritage Region & Susquehanna Kayak & Canoe Rentals led 13 volunteers on a pick-up paddle, removing 600 pounds of trash from the Susquehanna River’s North Branch. 
• Bloomsburg: 8 volunteers cleared 2,580 pounds of trash from along Fort McClure Boulevard during a cleanup facilitated by the Town of Bloomsburg. 
• Berwick & Danville: The Montour Area Recreation Commission and the Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau led 19 volunteers on a hike and cleanup at Hess Recreation Area and around Briar Creek Lake Park, clearing 1,400 pounds of trash. 
• Clearfield: The Clearfield Revitalization Corporation (CRC) joined Mayor Mason and the Clearfield Borough to host a Community Clean-Up Day, collecting trash and planting trees around the borough. (numbers not yet reported) 
• Mill Hall: Clinton County CleanScapes’ cleanup of Fishing Creek was cancelled but will be rescheduled for a later date. 
• Jersey Shore: 50 volunteers from the Jersey Shore Area School District picked up 150 pounds of trash from several locations throughout the community.  
• Newberry: 63 volunteers led by the Newberry Community Partnership cleaned up 776 pounds of litter from the Newberry neighborhood within Williamsport. 
• Williamsport:
  • 13 volunteers from Lycoming College picked up 154 pounds of waste, and the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership led 16 volunteers who gathered 448 pounds of trash from along the Susquehanna River Walk.
  • Penn College also had 12 volunteers clear 180 pounds of waste from the Lycoming Creek Bikeway.
  • Lycoming Audubon hosted a cleanup at Susquehanna State Park. (numbers not yet reported) 
• South Williamsport: The Robert Porter Allen Natural Area had volunteers clear litter along the river frontage of the Robert Porter Allen Natural Area. (numbers not yet reported) 
• Montgomery: Volunteers from Montgomery Borough cleaned up litter around Montgomery Park. (numbers not yet reported) 
• Watsontown: Diakon & Five Star CSIU had 10 volunteers collect 6 pounds of waste from Riverfront Park. 
• Milton: 18 volunteers, plus Susquehanna Greenway Partnership staff, cleared 347 pounds of trash from Milton State Park. 
• Selinsgrove: An Earth Day Celebration was held by Citizen’s Climate Lobby at the Selinsgrove Commons. They will also be hosting a cleanup on the Isle of Que in May, date TBD. 

Susquehanna River Cleanup Project volunteers in Sunbury

Susquehanna River Cleanup Project volunteers in Sunbury

Susquehanna River Cleanup Project volunteers in Sunbury

• Sunbury:
  • 205 volunteers led by the Susquehanna River Cleanup Project cleared 8,660 pounds of litter, 3,700 pounds of tires, and 1,500 pounds of metal that will be recycled.  
  • The Little Shamokin Creek Watershed Association led 25 volunteers on a cleanup of the creek, tributaries, and roads, collecting 1,780 pounds of trash.  
  • Sunbury Old Towne Neighborhood, a committee of Sunbury’s Revitalization, Inc. cleared 500 pounds of trash from downtown Sunbury along Market Street.  
  • The Susquehanna Valley Chapter Climate Reality Project also hosted an Earth Day Celebration at Cameron Park. 
• Halifax: The Pennsylvania Game Commission were joined by 24 volunteers in removing nearly 1500 tires (est. 37,500 pounds), eight bags of trash, and four TV’s from a dumping site on State Game Lands 254 in Perry County. 
• Harrisburg: 459 volunteers led by Tri County Community Action collected 20,800 pounds of trash from the Harrisburg area. 
• Barry Isett & Associates, Inc. will also be hosting a cleanup in May, date TBD. 
• Mechanicsburg: 7 volunteers and friends led by Dr. Ryan Argot gathered 180 pounds of litter along Lamb’s Gap Road. 
• Steelton: Steelton Borough’s Annual Community Cleanup event was cancelled but will be rescheduled for a later date. 

Volunteers in Harrisburg at the Tri County Community Action Cleanup

Penn College volunteers along the Lycoming Creek Bikeway in Williamsport

The Susquehanna Greenway is a corridor of connected trails, parks, river access points, and communities, linking people to the natural and cultural treasures of the Susquehanna River. It is championed by the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership (SGP), whose vision is for a vibrant Greenway that weaves together communities, trails, and natural spaces, transforming the Susquehanna River corridor into a place where adventure beckons, connections deepen, and the river’s beauty inspires. 

More specifically, SGP convenes local & state leaders to facilitate community-led projects that connect residents & visitors to the outdoor opportunities along the Susquehanna River and grow the Greenway’s network of trails, parks, boat launches, conserved lands, and natural assets.  

They also provide guided experiences to the public, offering a repertoire of outdoor programing and events that include educational workshops, paddling programs, an outdoor expo, and, of course, the Susquehanna Greenway Cleanup Month. 

SGP could not be happier with the enthusiasm shown for the cleanup and would like to thank the partnering organizations and dedicated volunteers who helped make this initiative a success!

The Susquehanna Greenway Partnership (SGP), established in 2006, is a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to advancing the vision of the Susquehanna Greenway in Pennsylvania. SGP’s mission is to work hand-in-hand with local, state, and national partners to complete the Susquehanna Greenway trail corridor and create resources that open the outdoors to everyone, ensuring all can experience the beauty and adventure of the Susquehanna River.  Learn more at susquehannagreenway.org.