Community members are invited to help protect local waterways during the 22nd Annual Allegheny Reservoir Cleanup Day, scheduled for Saturday.

Hosted by the Allegheny National Forest in partnership with local groups, the annual event focuses on removing trash and debris from the Allegheny Reservoir watershed. Participants will meet at Highbanks Campground, 1370 West Bank Perimeter Road, Steamburg, NY, at 8 a.m. before heading out to assigned cleanup locations.

Since its launch in 2005, the effort has made a significant environmental impact. Volunteers have removed more than 500 cubic yards of trash from the reservoir, including large items such as televisions, refrigerators and tires. Over 1,300 volunteers have contributed more than 10,000 hours to the cleanup effort.

Nathan Welker, aquatics program manager for the Allegheny National Forest, emphasized the importance of the event and the role of community support.

“For over two decades, these reservoir cleanup days have created safer and cleaner waterways for wildlife and recreationalists,” Welker said in a press release from the Allegheny National Forest. “Our success would not be possible without all the hard work of our many dedicated partners and volunteers,”

Welker is among three leaders who were recognized for their efforts in the cleanup project back in 2024. They received the USDA Forest Service’s 2024 Outstanding Wild and Scenic Rivers Stewardship Award due to their longstanding contributions to protecting the Allegheny River.

The annual cleanup also plans a key role in broader conservation success. In 2024, the Allegheny River was recognized as Pennsylvainia’s 2024 River of the Year by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

The cleanup will take place rain or shine, and volunteers are encouraged to dress in layers and bring food and water. Gloves and trash bags will be provided, and a small meal of hot dogs, chips and beverages will be available at the end of the day.

Registration is required by May 1 through the Allegheny River Cleanup website. For more information, email info@alleghenyrivercleanup.com.