May 2, 2026, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Join I Paddle New York and Riverkeeper for a cleanup by kayak in the Lower Esopus and Saugerties Bay from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm for the 15th Annual Riverkeeper Sweep. Please note, all kayakers must bring their own kayaks, paddles, and PFDs, and must be EXPERIENCED PADDLERS. This is a rain or shine event.

Volunteers will meet at Tina Chorvas Park, 61 East Bridge Street, Saugerties, NY. Volunteers can unload equipment down by the water first and then park in the parking lot for the park.

We recommend all Sweep volunteers to bring a hat, sunscreen, a full reusable water bottle, insect repellent, work gloves and hand sanitizer. Please bring any other gear that you feel might be useful for the task, ensuring your safety and your comfort (rubber gloves, ropes, bilge pump, etc.) Please wear clothing that is appropriate for the weather and water temperature. We get in and out of the kayak and your feet will get wet.

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 Gail Porter at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 845-532-7797.

*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.