Spring is here, and so is Wake County Big Sweep! Residents are invited to volunteer, roll up their sleeves, breathe in the fresh air and make a real difference! With more than 35 years of volunteer-driven cleanups, Big Sweep has made a lasting impact on the county’s waterways, and 2026 promises to continue that tradition.
“Big Sweep is about more than picking up trash,” said Wake County Commissioner Cheryl Stallings. “It’s about coming together as a community to protect our water that sustains us all. Every volunteer makes a visible, lasting impact on our streams, parks and wetlands.”
This spring, Big Sweep is offering a variety of cleanup events to fit every schedule and interest, from stream and park cleanups to paddling events on Crabtree Creek and Falls Lake. The spring calendar includes:
- March 14: Town of Apex Creek Week
- March 14: Town of Cary
- March 14: Swift Creek at Hemlock Bluffs
- March 21: Lake Wheeler Park
- March 28: Walnut Creek Wetland Park
- April 1: Holly Point Falls Lake Paddle
- April 11: Sandy Pines Preserve
- April 11: Marsh Creek
- April 18: Industrial Dr. Paddle
- April 18: Town of Garner
- April 18: Lake Crabtree County Park
- May 2: Crabtree Creek Mall Paddle
- May 23: N. Raleigh Blvd Paddle
Last year, Big Sweep volunteers proved the power of community action. In 2025, 1,321 volunteers participated in 46 events throughout Wake County, including 12 watercraft cleanups, donating 4,006 hours valued at $134,160.90. Volunteers removed 47,937 pounds of litter, including 13,554 pounds of recyclables and 433 tires.
“But beyond the numbers, it’s about the experience: the joy of working side by side with our community, reconnecting with the natural earth, and coming together for something bigger than ourselves,” said Alex Heinemann, Big Sweep volunteer coordinator. “It’s about giving back to the place we call home, taking pride in keeping it clean, and sharing the deep satisfaction of making a tangible impact together.”
For more information and to register for an event, visit wake.gov/BigSweep
