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Pop-up Volunteer Events

The C&O Canal National Historical Park follows the Potomac River for 184.5 miles between Georgetown and Cumberland and is one of the most visited national park sites in the country. The C&O Canal Trust is the park’s official nonprofit philanthropic partner, committed to supporting the park and local communities through fundraising initiatives, expanding accessibility, and broadening support through programs that highlight the C&O Canal’s historical, natural, and cultural heritage.

We’re excited to introduce new volunteer opportunities to support the C&O Canal and its resources during a time of increased visitation and reduced federal staffing capacities. You can help us make a direct impact in the park!

Scheduled Dates:

Monday, January 19, 2026, from 10 am – 12 pm
Please no walk-ins after 11 am.

Location:
Fletchers Cove
4940 Canal Rd NW, Washington, DC 20016
Map Link

  • Fees:
    • There are no fees to enter the national park at this location.
  • We will meet at one of the picnic tables in the lower parking lot. Please look for our C&O Canal Trust signs.
  • Please note: Reservoir Road – the road that goes up the hill past Fletchers to MacArthur Blvd – is never one-way, so you can always access Fletchers Cove via Reservoir Road. You cannot make a right turn from Canal Road into Fletchers. The turn is too tight, even for small cars, and is also illegal. Please do not back down the entrance ramp to Fletchers, as this is extremely dangerous.
  • Restrooms:
    • Flush toilets onsite.

Who:
All ages are welcome, but parents must remain on-site and responsible for their children the entire time. No drop-offs. Student Service Learning (SSL) hours are available; just bring your forms from school, and we’ll be happy to sign them.

What to Expect:

Anticipated Projects:

  • Trash clean up


Provided Onsite:

  • All required forms, clipboards, and pens
  • All project materials: work gloves, trash bags, etc.
  • First-aid kits

What to Bring:

  • Layered, weather-appropriate clothing you don’t mind getting dirty
  • Closed-toe shoes or boots
  • (Optional) Personal water/snacks
  • (Optional) Personal gloves or PPE


Required Forms:

  • Adults will fill out volunteer forms onsite.
  • If your child under 18 is volunteering, a parent or guardian must be present at check-in
    to sign these forms.

Registration:

Registration is not required, but it will help if you email us at [email protected] to let us know if you plan to participate or if you have questions about the project.

Please note: Check-in will only be open until 11 am.

Cancellations:

Check back to this page for the latest updates or weather-related cancellations. Please note that we may not be able to respond to email inquiries about the weather or cancellations.

Photos by Francis Grant-Suttie and Trust Staff

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