Bynum, NC – On Saturday, March 21, we’re bringing together communities from across all counties in the Haw River watershed for the Haw River Clean-Up-A-Thon. Last year’s event drew 357 volunteers who hauled out 320 bags of trash and 54 tires, a remarkable showing that reflects just how much this watershed means to the people who live alongside it. This enormous effort, from our neighbors in Alamance, Guilford, Chatham, Durham, and Orange Counties, reaches the creeks, streams, and trails throughout the Haw River watershed, tackling the litter and debris that threaten water quality, wildlife, everything downstream and the beauty of our shared spaces.
Since we began this event in 1991, more than 6,867 volunteers have shown up, rolled up their sleeves, and collectively removed 11,720 bags of trash, 1,992 tires, and mountains of other junk including old appliances, car parts, and everything in between. One of the most encouraging things we’ve learned along the way is that when stream banks are cleaned up, they tend to stay clean. When a community reclaims a space, it stays reclaimed. Storm runoff remains the biggest culprit, carrying litter from streets into creeks and eventually the river, which is why this work matters year after year. Every volunteer, every bag, every tire pulled from the water is a win for Jordan Lake, downstream of the Haw.
We’re extremely grateful to the volunteers, team leaders, and local sponsors who pour their energy and donations into making this happen every single year. This event and Haw River Assembly’s broader mission run on the dedication of our volunteers and sponsors. To sign up, visit bit.ly/CUAT2026. If you would like to donate, please visit: bit.ly/SponsorCUAT To learn more about the Haw River Assembly, become a member, or find out about upcoming clean-up events and other ways to get involved, visit www.hawriver.org, sign up for our Friday E-news, and follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @hawriverassembly.
The Haw River Assembly is a 50l(c)(3) non-profit citizens’ group founded in 1982 to restore and protect the Haw River and Jordan Lake. If you would like more information on this event, please email us at events@hawriver.org.