April 25, 2026, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm

Join Bannerman's Castle Trust, Inc and Riverkeeper for a cleanup at Bannerman (Pollepel) Island, Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm for the 15th Annual Riverkeeper Sweep. Volunteers will be notified 24 hours beforehand if event will be cancelled or postponed due to weather.

There will be possible painting and moving. Everyone will need to fill out a NYS Parks volunteer service agreement. A link may be sent in advance or hard copies will be provided when volunteers arrive. This is so that volunteers are covered by workers compensation by the State.


Volunteers will meet at the kayak launch in Donahue Memorial Park, 99 Shore Road, Cornwall-on-Hudson. Please car pool since everyone will need a parking pass for Donahue Park. Kelly Ellenwood will be there to greet you. Visitors to the island must be able to ascend 72 steps.


We recommend all Sweep volunteers to bring a hat, sunscreen, a full reusable water bottle, insect repellent, work gloves and hand sanitizer.

This site is not suitable for elementary-aged children.

Questions? Contact Riverkeeper at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Kelly Ellenwood at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 845-863-9964.

*IMPORTANT! To ensure the safety of volunteers, Sweep Site Leaders, professional staff, and our communities, we ask that volunteers adhere to the following guidelines:

• Volunteers are required to pre-register for Sweep.
• Volunteers should not participate if they have ANY signs of illness.

Over the last 14 years, Sweep leaders have completed 1,463 projects, bringing together thousands of volunteers from NYC to the Adirondacks to clean up 404 tons of debris, and plant and maintain 11,425 native trees, shrubs, and flowers. This incredible effort is made possible by the generosity of Riverkeeper's members, sponsors, and donors. If you would like to support the continued growth of the Riverkeeper Sweep, please consider joining Riverkeeper or making a donation. Contributions of any amount are meaningful.