APPLETON, WI — Registration is now open for the 2026 Fox-Wolf Watershed Cleanup, a region-wide volunteer event that brings together people of all ages to remove trash from parks, trails, riverbanks, lakeshores, and more. The Cleanup will take place on Saturday, May 2, with over 65 sites available across the Fox-Wolf Watershed, including communities from Waupaca to Green Bay, throughout the Lake Winnebago shoreline, and south toward Fond du Lac.
Organized by the Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, the annual event connects cities, towns, and rural areas across the Upper Fox, Lower Fox, and Wolf River basins in one of Wisconsin’s largest coordinated conservation efforts.
“This event is about protecting the waters we all depend on,” said Jessica Schultz, Executive Director of the Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance. “Whether you’re walking a creek in Oshkosh, cleaning up a shoreline in Appleton or Green Bay, or working along Lake Winnebago, every action helps protect water quality downstream.”
Last Year’s Cleanup Made a Real Impact
In 2025, nearly 1,800 volunteers collected 8,165 pounds of trash from waterways, parks, and public spaces across the watershed.
“Those numbers show what’s possible when communities come together,” Schultz said. “Every piece of litter removed helps keep our waters clean for drinking, recreation, and wildlife.”
Volunteers of All Ages Welcome
Volunteers can register individually or with a group. Families, scout troops, service clubs, classrooms, workplaces, and civic organizations are all encouraged to join. Cleanup supplies are provided at each site, and volunteers receive a commemorative t-shirt while supplies last. Each location is led by a trained Site Leader to ensure safety and coordination.
Cleanup Day Ends with a Community Celebration
After the morning’s effort, all volunteers are invited to a community picnic at Tellulah Park in Appleton, featuring lunch, live music, bounce houses, and family activities.
“It’s an energizing way to wrap up a meaningful day,” Schultz added. “We work hard in the morning, and then celebrate what we’ve done together.”
How to Register
Volunteer registration is open now at: fox-wolf.org/cleanup
Registration is free, and early sign-up is encouraged to ensure preferred site placement and shirt availability.
Cleanup Sponsors
The 2026 Fox-Wolf Watershed Cleanup is made possible with support from the following sponsors: Fund for Lake Michigan, Nestle, Badger Labs, the City of Appleton, Essity, Graymont, WE Energies Foundation, Wolf River Community Bank, Evergreen Credit Union, Ahlstrom, Encapsys, Fox Communities Credit Union, Mercury Marine, WPS Foundation, Amcor Cares, Cellcom, and Menasha Corporation Foundation
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