On April 18th, 2026, the West Virginia Water Research Institute held its third annual Monongahela River Sweep. This year had the biggest turnout ever with 101 volunteers including WVU students, staff and members of the Morgantown community - all working together to remove debris from the Monongahela River and surrounding areas. As a part Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission’s (ORSANCO) Ohio River Sweep of Season, and in collaboration with the Ohio River Basin Alliance’s Ohio River Basin campaign, the Three Rivers Quest (3RQ) Common Waters Program, at the West Virginia Water Research Institute(WVWRI), organized the event with the support from Ascend WV.
Helena, WRI’S mascot, with piles of trash.
The U.S. Army Corps Engineers of lifted the gates from the Morgantown Lock and Dam enabling debris to be carried downstream for removal. In addition, USACE River Ranger shared water safety tips while working in and around the river.
Thanks to Adventure WV and Morgantown Adventure Outfitters volunteers were able to kayak on the river free of charge to remove trash out of the river, including 33 tires. With the support of Three Rivers Waterkeeper on the water, additional 21 55-gallon barrels were collected.
Monongahela River the morning of the clean up after USACE lifted the gates from the Morgantown Lock and Dam.
This event wouldn't have been possible without our community partners. The Mon Rivers Trail conservancy (MRTC) assisted with coordination, while Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners of the City of Morgantown managed trash disposal. Health Right provided safe sharp disposal containers, and the WVU Office of Sustainability offered their Kubota to take trash bags and other items to designated spots.
“Whatever people can provide in terms of community engagement helps a big time, so I think everyone can play a role in cleaning up their local environment, and even just an hour cleaning up on the rail trail helps a lot,” said Amaya Hamilton, Water Remediation Specialist at the West Virginia Water Research Institute.
Volunteer pushing a tire with a kayak to shore.
Volunteers had the opportunity to participate in a scavenger hunt, collecting items such as plastic bottles, sports balls, children’s toys, candy wrappers, fishing line/hooks, tires and more. Participants who completed the scavenger hunt were entered into a raffle, which included a rafting trip and two – night camping experience donated by Wilderness Voyagers, along with additional items provided by WVWRI staff.
“I always think about the saying about how even one act does make a difference, no matter how small the act is. So, even though it may only seem like one can that’s being pulled out of the river, it takes 200 to 500 years for an aluminum can to biodegrade. And another great part about this, too, is just getting community members and people out on the water.” -Eliza Siefert Critical Materials Water Research and Organizer of Mon River Sweep.
With continued support from volunteers and community partners, events like the Mon River Sweep will play a vital role in keeping the Monongahela River clean and healthy. The 2026 Mon River Sweep was a huge success, with hopes to make an even bigger impact in the coming years!
Trash from the trail and river!
A clean river after the event!