Volunteers across Adams County are preparing to roll up their sleeves and roll out their canoes for the annual Ohio River Sweep on Saturday, June 7. The event, which has become a regional tradition since it began in 1989, invites residents to join in a multi-state effort to clean up the Ohio River and its tributaries.
Locally, the cleanup will take place from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at the Manchester, Wrightsville, and Rome Boat Docks, as well as throughout the camping season at the Sandy Springs Campground in Stout. Volunteers of all ages are welcome to join, including 4-H clubs, Scout troops, church groups, and other civic organizations.
This year’s sweep also coincides with the 5th Annual Paddlefest on Ohio Brush Creek, hosted by the Adams County Health and Wellness Coalition, providing participants with an opportunity to make a difference on the water in more ways than one.
The event is sponsored and organized by ORSANCO (Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission), FORE, and the Environmental Protection Agency, and it relies heavily on local volunteers to make it a success.
The Ohio River is one of Adams County’s most valuable natural assets—not only as a vital ecological resource but also as a cornerstone of the county’s tourism economy. Clean, accessible waterways attract visitors for boating, fishing, camping, and sightseeing, supporting local businesses and strengthening the rural economy. Events like the Ohio River Sweep play a crucial role in protecting this resource for future generations.
Participants are encouraged to call ahead to reserve their official River Sweep T-shirt and notify site leaders of their attendance. Safety gear including gloves will be provided, and all participants or a parent/guardian must sign a waiver before taking part.
Cleanup Sites and Contact Info:
Manchester – Christine Henderson: 606-584-1525
Wrightsville – Anita Harover: 937-217-3000
Rome – Jody Gray: 937-544-3931
Sandy Springs Campground – Julie Wangler: 701-640-7858
Paddlefest on Ohio Brush Creek – Nikki Gerber: 513-713-5874
In the event of high water or severe weather, volunteers will be notified and a rescheduled date will be announced.
Organizers aim to set a new record for community involvement in 2025. With teamwork and dedication, this year’s Ohio River Sweep is expected to make a visible and lasting impact on Adams County’s waterways—and help protect a resource that is vital to both the environment and the local economy.
