Watershed 

Cleanups

Find a Cleanup Near You!

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.

Please check this page frequently for the most up-to-date information. Unless otherwise noted, all cleanups are public and all ages (with parent oversight for children under 12).  Gloves and bags will be provided. 

Sun., Apr. 7, 2024

10 AM - noon

2540 Gallows Rd, Dunn Loring, VA 22027. Help clean up litter at Dunn Loring Park, which straddles Accotink and Holmes Run watersheds. All are welcome! Organized by Girl Scout Troop 55131. RSVP: auger.lisa@icloud.com. 

Fri., Apr. 12, 2024

9:30 - 11:30 AM

7525 Marc Dr., Falls Church, VA 22042. Join FCPA and The Nature Conservancy for a joint watershed cleanup and yard work day. Sponsored by Fairfax County Park Authority. RSVP here.

Sat., Apr. 13, 2024

9:30 AM - noon

New Providence Dr., West Falls Church, VA 22042. Help clean the shoreline, trail and woods around Fairview Lake!  Street parking. Meet at the tennis courts for instructions, bags, gloves and grabbers. RSVP: wsmith66@cox.net

9:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Meet at the Holmes Run II Trailhead at Slade Run Dr. and Rose Ln., Falls Church, VA 22042. Sponsored by Holmes Run Valley Civic Association. RSVP: DebbieHR15@gmail.com

9:30 AM - noon

Chambliss St. at Holmes Run Pkwy, Alexandria, VA. Pick up supplies at several entrances to the park. Sponsored by Friends of Dora Kelley Nature Park, Buddie Ford Nature Center, Seminary West Citizens Association & Friends of Holmes Run. Contact: Dave at davedexter91@gmail.com. 

Sat., Apr. 20, 2024 

9 AM - 1 PM

4800 Brenman Park Dr., Alexandria, VA 22304. Individuals and groups are welcome! This is a large cleanup along Holmes Run and Backlick Run and associated trails at the park where both streams converge to become Cameron Run. Part of a multi-site regional cleanup sponsored by WMCCAI, Alice Ferguson Foundation and others. Register here.

9:30 - 11:30  AM

Jefferson District Park, 7900 Lee Hwy., Falls Church, VA. Help clean the stream, trail and wooded areas along the park's west side, parallel to Shreve Road. Meet at trailhead southwest of tennis courts. RSVP: KnechtJoe@yahoo.com


9 AM - noon

Annandale Rd. entrance across from Roundtree Estates Ct., Falls Church, VA 22042. Meet at the picnic pavilion. Join FCPA and The Nature Conservancy for a watershed cleanup. RSVP here.

Sun., Apr. 21, 2024

noon - 3 PM

3316 Hartwell Ct., Falls Church, VA 22042. Join us as we tackle litter and invasive weeds in the stream/woods around this beloved local park.  Sponsored by Raymondale and Holmes Run Acres civic associations. RSVP: friendsofholmesrun@gmail.com


11 AM - 1 PM

601 Broad St., Falls Church, VA. 22046. - Help clean this popular stream valley park and trail.  Park at the Broadway of Falls Church Condo - PatientFirst Parking Lot. Restrooms available. This event is part of a multi-site regional cleanup sponsored by WMCCAI,  Alice Ferguson Foundation and others. Register here.


Sat., Apr. 27, 2024

8:30 - 10 AM

Join C3 (Crossroads & Corner Coalition) for a roadside cleanup near Seven Corners. Meet at the intersection of Castle Rd and Leesburg Pike to clean the stretch of Leesburg Pike from Castle to Patrick Henry. Volunteers must be 18+. Cleanup supplies and grabbers will be provided. Contact: Mike Van Atta (crossroadscorners@gmail.com)




Volunteer for a Cleanup

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 

Host a Cleanup Site

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. 

Trash removed from a cleanup. 

Friends of Holmes Run clean-ups are offered in April as part of the regional Annual Potomac Watershed Cleanup. Find out more HERE.