Join Friends of Holmes Run as we clean up our watershed from the headwaters to the Potomac River. Each spring, we support multiple site cleanups along Holmes Run in coordination with local site leaders and community groups. Interested in scheduling a cleanup at another time of year? Contact friendsofholmesrun@gmail.com for assistance.
Fairview Lake Cleanup
9:30 AM - noon
New Providence Dr., Falls Church, VA 22042. Street parking. Meet at the tennis courts. The public is invited to help clean up the litter along the shoreline, inlets and forests of Fairview Lake. Supplies provided. Registration begins 9:30 AM, the cleanup itself begins 10 AM and there will be free "thank you" snacks to follow at noon. Sponsored by Lakeford Community Association. RSVP by Apr. 6: wsmith66@cox.net
Historic Holmes Run Streambed Cleanup
9 AM - noon
5005 Duke St., Alexandria, VA 22304. Join the City of Alexandria Stormwater Management Division and the Alice Ferguson Foundation for a hands-on stream cleanup along Historic Holmes Run adjacent to All Veterans Park and Charles Beatley Library. Volunteers will help remove litter and debris from the stream corridor to improve water quality, protect wildlife, and reduce pollution entering the Chesapeake Bay. All supplies and guidance will be provided—just bring sturdy shoes and a willingness to make a difference. For more information, click here.
Upper Holmes Run Cleanup
10 AM - noon
Jefferson District Park, 7900 Route 29, Falls Church, VA. Help clean up the trail and stream that run adjacent to Jefferson District Park and Shreve Road. Meet at the trailhead southwest of the tennis courts. Parking available. RSVP: jdlipetz@fishandexplore.com. Rain date: 4/19
Holmes Run II Trail Cleanup
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Meet at the Holmes Run II Trailhead at Slade Run Dr. and Rose Ln., Falls Church, VA 22042. Hike the trail to find the litter in the stream and surrounding parkland! Sponsored by Holmes Run Valley Civic Association. RSVP: DebbieHR15@gmail.com
Holmes Run III Trail Cleanup
10-noon
Holmes Run III Trailhead, 6100-6200 block of Columbia Pike, Falls Church, 22041. Join Inova employees in a hike in/hike out experience clearing litter from the stream and trail in the Holmes Run Gorge. From eastbound Columbia Pike, take a sharp right turn 0.3 miles past Fairfax Pkwy onto the unmarked park service road, just before Powell Lane. Park along that service road, which leads down to the trailhead. RSVP: whitney@friendsofholmesrun.org
Dora Kelley Nature Park Cleanup
9 AM -noon
Meet at the North Chambliss St. and Holmes Run Pkwy entrance, Alexandria, VA, 22311. Help clean up the stream and wooded trails in this beautiful nature park! Sponsored by Friends of Dora Kelley Nature Park and West Seminary Road Civic Assn. (rain date: Apr 19). Contact: joycedexter47@gmail.com
CANCELED: Luria Park Cleanup
1 - 3 PM
THIS EVENT CANCELED DUE TO RAIN. 3314 Hartwell Ct., Falls Church, VA 22042. Join Holmes Run Acres and Raymondale Civic Association for the annual litter cleanup in and around Luria Park and Holmes Run! This cleanup includes exploring heavily wooded areas, so sturdy shoes and long sleeves/pants are recommended. RSVP: whitney@friendsofholmesrun.org.
Roundtree Park Cleanup
10 AM - noon
3320 Annandale Rd., Falls Church, VA. Meet at picnic shelter. All are welcome! Organized by Fairfax County Park Authority and The Nature Conservancy. Sign up here.
Culmore Cleanup Day
9 AM - noon
Help clean up the sidewalks, edge spaces and storm drains in and around Culmore at this annual community event. Organized by Second Story, HACAN, FoHR and other community-based organizations. Details to come. For more information, email whitney@friendsofholmesrun.org.
Your watershed needs you!
Most trash in our streams started out as litter in streets, trails, sidewalks and parking lots. Wind and rain sweep the litter into storm drains, which feed into the creeks.
Volunteers are encouraged to dress appropriately for walking in the woods, with long sleeves, long pants, and sturdy footwear. If you have them, wading gear, grab sticks, and rakes also help, since much of the trash is in the water. We will supply bags and gloves.
Although it is not always necessary to pre-register as a volunteer, we appreciate advance notice when possible, to ensure adequate supplies. Contact the site leader directly, indicate how many volunteers you will be bringing, and if you are an FCPS student seeking service hours. Questions? Contact: friendsofholmesrun@gmail.com
Know of another site along Holmes Run watershed that could really use some litter control? Consider organizing a site cleanup!
Site Leaders receive support from Friends of Holmes Run. We can help you obtain any necessary permissions, volunteers, training and free supplies.
Contact friendsofholmesrun@gmail.com to get started.
Friends of Holmes Run clean-ups are offered in April as part of the regional Annual Potomac Watershed Cleanup. Find out more HERE.