Cleanup Initiative

The High 5 Initiative schedules cleanups at 3 rivers in Cecil County twice a year, with the season starting around Earth Day. The Elk River, North East River and the Susquehanna River below the Conowingo Dam have historically been underserved tributaries to the Chesapeake Bay. Additionally, The High 5 Initiaitve has also adopted Rock Run Road, which runs along Rock Run leading to the Susquehanna River, and does a cleanup along the steep mile stretch 4 times a year.. 

In 2020 & 2021, with the help of 261 volunteers, The High 5 Initiative had removed 15,220 pounds of trash during 14 cleanups from rivers and riparian areas that lead to the Chesapeake Bay. We have had multiple groups join us and we take the opportunity to have fun and educate about the different types of litter and what can be done to prevent it along the way.

Picking up litter is something the founders of The High 5 Initiative have always done. Whenever hiking or kayaking, they take gloves and bags to cleanup along the way. The amount of trash left in our state parks is quite alarming and a great deal end up in our waterways. This is a simple and small gesture we can all do! When going to State Parks, remember to pack in and pack out, as most are now trash free and do not have trash cans.

If you are aware of any particular location that could use the attention of an organized group or would like to sponsor a community cleanup, click here.

If you are unable to participate in a cleanup, but would still like to help, click here.

The list of upcoming cleanups and information is located below.