New York's largest Earth Day celebration starts with Canal Clean Sweep

More than 190 Canal Clean Sweep events scheduled across state

Press Release

Community organizations, volunteer groups, businesses and students across New York are making final preparations for the 19th annual Canal Clean Sweep, set for April 19-21. Canal Clean Sweep, organized by Parks & Trails New York and New York State Canal Corp., is an annual cleanup event held across the NYS Canal System and Canalway Trail. More than 190 Clean Sweep events are scheduled across the 400-mile-long Canalway Trail system and the 524-mile-long Canal system, providing opportunities for thousands of residents to give back to their local communities.

A press release stated, “Canal Clean Sweep coincides with New York’s annual Earth Day celebrations, representing one of several events held around the state dedicated to improving the health of our natural environment, in addition to being part of a nationwide celebration to encourage people to get outside and enjoy our exceptional trails and trail systems.

“Over the last few years, the Canalway Trail system has seen unprecedented use thanks to significant investments made as part of the completion of the Empire State Trail, not to mention the staggering increase in outdoor recreational activities due to COVID-19. Thanks to volunteers across the state participating in Canal Clean Sweep 2024, the Canalway Trail system will remain a pristine recreational resource for locals and visitors alike.”

To learn more about Canal Clean Sweep, or to view a map of scheduled events, visit www.ptny.org/events/canal-clean-sweep.

New York State Canal Corp. Director Brian U. Stratton said, “As we prepare to welcome recreational enthusiasts along the Canalway Trail and Empire State Trail this season, hundreds of volunteers will come together this weekend at Canal Clean Sweep events to ensure the trail is spruced up and ready for visitors traveling from near and far. I cannot thank our dedicated volunteers from Albany to Buffalo enough for taking time away from their own personal responsibilities and families to pitch in and care for one of New York’s most treasured recreational resources. Together, we are keeping our Canal system and the Canalway Trail clean and healthy for all to enjoy.”

Parks & Trails New York Executive Director Paul Steely White said, “The goal of Canal Clean Sweep is to strengthen the bond between our communities, the waterway, and adjacent greenways. By working together to take care of these cherished assets, we are improving our mental and physical health as well as our public lands. We want to thank every volunteer that will dedicate their time this weekend. They are leaving a legacy of environmental stewardship that will impact generations to come.”

Parks & Trails New York is online at at www.ptny.org. To learn more about the New York State Canal and Canalway Trail System, or to obtain a free map, call 1-800-4CANAL4 or visit the Canal Corp.’s website at www.canals.ny.gov.