Join the Annual Milwaukee Riverkeeper Spring Cleanup

Milwaukee Riverkeeper’s Spring Cleanup takes place on Saturday, April 26, 2025

Spring is officially here, and it's the perfect time to get outside and give back to the community! Mark your calendars for the 30th Annual Milwaukee Riverkeeper Spring Cleanup on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 9 am to Noon. This beloved community event brings together thousands of volunteers who are passionate about keeping our rivers and parks clean for generations to come.

For three decades, Milwaukee Riverkeeper has rallied nearly 4,000 volunteers annually to restore and protect the waterways that flow through Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington, and Waukesha Counties. Whether you're passionate about environmental conservation, community engagement, or just spending quality time outdoors with family, this event is perfect for all ages!

Volunteers will receive bags, gloves, and a free commemorative T-shirt. All you need to bring is your enthusiasm, closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.

North Shore River Clean-up Locations

Join fellow North Shore families at one of these convenient cleanup sites from the many Milwaukee clean-up locations:

• Kletzsch Park (Glendale): Volunteers will gather at the Kletzsch Park Pavilion on the east side of the Parkway (6560 N Milwaukee River Pkwy).

• Klode Park (Whitefish Bay): Meet in the Klode Park parking lot, near the intersection of Shore Drive and Belle Avenue.

• Hubbard Park (Shorewood): Volunteers meet at the flag pole near the circle turnaround through the tunnel (3565 N Morris Blvd).

• Lincoln Park (Milwaukee/Glendale):

  • Blatz Pavilion

  • Picnic Area #2

  • Sea of the Ear Sculpture

  • Picnic Area #5

Gentlemen of Shorewood Kinnickinnic River Clean-Up

The Gentlemen of Shorewood are an active local group that calls itself “a bike club with a charity addiction. No, a charity group with a biking habit... in Shorewood.” This group invite others to join them to clean up a section of the Kinnickinnic River in need extra care and attention. “Post clean up swim is optional,” they note.

The Milwaukee Riverkeeper provide the gloves, trash bags and a FREE t-shirt - you provide the muscle!

Capture the fun and community spirit by taking photos during the event. Share your memorable moments by tagging @mkeriverkeeper and using #MRKCleanup30 for a chance to win a prize package worth $300. This prize includes outdoor gear like a Milwaukee Riverkeeper-branded Cotopaxi Fleece, Patagonia items, a Hydroflas, and more. One photo equals one entry—so take as many as you'd like!

While walk-ups are welcome, pre-registration is encouraged to help organizers best prepare for the event. Register easily online here: bit.ly/MRKCleanup30.

If you need assistance with registration, Milwaukee Riverkeeper is happy to help at rivercleanup@milwaukeeriverkeeper.org.

This Earth Day, let’s join together as a community to create cleaner, healthier, and more vibrant waterways across our beautiful North Shore and beyond.

For more spring clean-up events, see our guide to Earth Day and Earth Month in the North Shore.