Waterway Cleanups

• Schedule, organize and lead cleanups on or along Virginia Beach waterways
• Encourage civic and community engagement
• Provide hands-on education through activities and waterway cleanups
• Protect and maintain access to local waterways

Involvement:

• Waterway cleanups (see more information below)
• Citizen Science Water Quality Monitoring Program
• Adopt-a-spot Program
• Access waterways by visiting:
  • City of Virginia Beach Kayak & Canoe Launches 
  • Southeast Coast Saltwater Paddling Trail
  • Captain John Smith Water Trail
  • Reese Lukei Raptor Trail

Support:

• Become a member of Lynnhaven River NOW
• Shop AmazonSmile to support Lynnhaven River NOW
• Link your Kroger Rewards Card to Lynnhaven River NOW

Waterway Cleanups:

Waterway cleanups occur monthly on the 2^nd Saturday of each month (winter months excluded) from 9 a.m. until noon. A rain date will be announced, if necessary. Cleanups may be land and/or water-based. Most cleanups are family-friendly events. Participants are required to provide their own kayak and PFD (required) for water-based cleanups. Larger water craft are usually not appropriate due to the limitations at launch sites.

Appropriate dress and shoe wear required. Cleanups may 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 and insect repellent are recommended. A reusable water bottle is also recommended.

Equipment and supplies provided at the cleanups include:

Trash bags

Work gloves

Grabbers (limited supply available)

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, it will be announced on the Lynnhaven River Now’s Facebook  page by 8 a.m. on the day of the cleanup. Registered participants will receive an email by 8 a.m. the day of the cleanup.

Results of Lynnhaven River Now’s cleanup efforts are available here.

Volunteers are encouraged to register in advance for cleanups by emailing  office@lrnow.org or calling 757-962-5398.

Interested in learning more about waterway cleanups? Watch Chris Reckling’s Reck on the Road:Lynnhaven River NOW video.

Meeting Schedule :

This committee meets at 6 pm on the third Wednesday of each month. Meetings are held at Hot Tuna  at 2817 Shore Dr., Virginia Beach, VA 23451. November and December meeting schedules may be adjusted to accommodate winter holidays. Check Facebook or website calendar for changes.