WAVE Foundation's 14th Annual River Sweep
Saturday, May 17th, 2025, 9am-11:30am
River Sweep
WAVE Foundation partners with ORSANCO and F.O.R.E. annually to bring together our community for River Sweep. River Sweep is every spring and invites the community to come our to clean up the banks of the Ohio River in Newport, Kentucky.
Join us on Saturday, May 17th, 2025 for WAVE Foundation’s 14th Annual River Sweep. We will once again partner with ORSANCO (Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission) and F.O.R.E (Foundations for Ohio River Education) to bring awareness to local water conservation by cleaning up the banks of the Ohio River! Check in will open at 9am under the Taylor Southgate Bridge. After participants check in, they can grab supplies and check out ORSANCO and F.O.R.E’s Below the Water Line Aquarium that will feature local aquatic species that live in the Ohio River!
The Sweep will start at 9:45am and conclude at 11:30am. This year, we’re extending our reach and cleaning up most of River Boat Row; about an entire mile stretch of the Ohio River and into the Licking River.
Everyone is invited to stay afterward for a Pizza lunch!
Can't Make it to WAVE Foundation's River Sweep?
ORSANCO’s Ohio River Sweep used to be a one day event, Ohio River Sweep has now changed to a full season. The goal is to support clean up events from March through October to remove the greatest amount of litter possible, thus having a larger collective impact than a one day event could previously offer. Participants choose the date and location of their cleanup and the Ohio River Sweep provides support and supplies to hold the event. Find an event to join or organize your own River Sweep!
Looking to host a private Mini-River Sweep for your group or business?
WAVE Foundation offers small groups and businesses a chance to set up a private mini-river sweep on a date and time of your choosing. Our mini-river sweeps allow volunteers to help keep our waterways clean, give back to the community, and support WAVE Foundation’s mission to inspire and foster environmental stewards of aquatic life through education, conservation, and volunteerism!
Volunteer groups can choose the date they would like to volunteer. Your mini-sweep includes all materials and guidance needed to clean a section of the Ohio River that spans the banks of Newport, KY. With the opportunity to volunteer comes the chance to shape conservation education in the community with a contribution of $500. This gift expands your impact beyond the shoreline and into the classroom at WAVE. Thank you in advance for the donation required to participate in your mini-river sweep! Click below to fill out our Private Mini-River Sweep Request form.