Henderson County, KY – Ohio River Sweep 2025 will kick off in Henderson on March 15th.
This annual event is a partnership between the Foundation for Ohio River Education (FORE) and Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission (ORSANCO), along with Henderson County Recycling & Solid Waste.
This free event is open to the public and will take place from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 15 at Audubon Mill Park in Henderson. A complimentary lunch will follow.
Volunteer registration is required to ensure an accurate count of supplies and food. Interested individuals can register at https://bit.ly/40YVUwM.
The Ohio River Sweep program is recognized as one of the largest and longest-running environmental cleanup initiatives in the nation, according to a news release. Since its inception in 1989, this award-winning program has made significant progress in removing litter and tires from the Ohio River and its tributaries.
During the Ohio River Sweep season, volunteers from six states remove litter at multiple locations along all 981 miles of the Ohio River and a variety of places throughout the basin. The program relies on collaboration with state, county, and local organizations in order to carry out these numerous cleanup events over such a large geographic area.
The Ohio River Sweep has transitioned from a single-day event to a seasonal initiative, now running annually from March 1 to October 31. This change allows volunteers to remove the greatest amount of litter possible, thus having a larger collective impact than a one-day event could previously offer.
In 2024, the program mobilized 4,267 volunteers in 125 cleanup events, resulting in the removal of over 90 tons of waste, which included 2.5 tons of recyclable materials, 996 tires, five mattresses, and even a swimming pool from the riverbanks.
Why It Matters
“The Ohio River is a vital resource that nourishes ecosystems and supplies drinking water for more than 5 million people, while also sustaining the livelihoods of 30 million people across 14 states,” said FORE Educator and Coordinator of the Ohio River Sweep Program Rachel Toney.
According to Toney, the river serves as essential habitat for over 160 species of fish and offers abundant recreational opportunities that help improve quality of life and fosters an environment for people to commune with nature. FORE believes the Ohio River Sweep program is about protecting the thriving ecosystem beneath the surface as well as safeguarding public health and creating cherished memories along the riverbanks.
“By working together to keep our local waterways litter free, we can transform our riverbanks into vibrant, inviting spaces for everyone to enjoy while protecting aquatic life,” Toney said.
A Community Effort
For the 2025 season, the Ohio River Sweep program is expanding conservation efforts through local partnerships. ORSANCO’s collaboration with Henderson County Recycling & Solid Waste has brought together key partners, including Pratt Paper, the Humane Society of Henderson County, Habitat for Humanity, and many more.
“Henderson County has proudly led Ohio River Sweep cleanups for years. ORSANCO’s decision to launch this season’s kickoff here reflects their commitment to our community,” said Henderson County Recycling & Solid Waste Director. “We anticipate three times the number of volunteers this year, thanks to these partnerships and combined resources.”
Higgs encourages everyone to come out and join the chance to make an impact in the community.
The 2025 kickoff event in Henderson County underscores the essential role local partner organizations throughout the Ohio River Basin play in recruiting and engaging volunteers for the Ohio River Sweep. Toney emphasizes that the volunteers and sponsors are the heartbeat of the Ohio River Sweep program, and their commitment is crucial to its success.
All volunteers will receive free cleanup supplies, including trash bags and gloves, along with a souvenir 2025 Ohio River Sweep t-shirt designed by students at the Art Academy of Cincinnati. Participants are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather, use sun protection, wear appropriate footwear, and bring a reusable water bottle.
Unable to join the kickoff cleanup event, but still wish to participate in the Ohio River Sweep season? There are three ways to get involved:
- Sign up to volunteer at an existing event.
- Register to organize and host an event.
- Make a donation to sponsor the program. A contribution of $5,000 or more will include logo placement on the t-shirt and basin-wide promotions for one year.
To join the Ohio River Sweep program and create a positive impact in your community, visit orsanco.org/river-sweep for more details.
Get Involved
All volunteers receive:
- Free cleanup supplies (trash bags, gloves)
- A 2025 Ohio River Sweep souvenir T-shirt (designed by students at the Art Academy of Cincinnati)
- Complimentary lunch
Volunteers should dress appropriately for the weather, wear sun protection, proper footwear, and bring a reusable water bottle.
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