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:
Tuesday, November 11 at 10 am – 12 pm
Join us for a day of cleanup projects in the park! We will hosting events in two locations along the canal.
Locations:
Great Falls
11710 Macarthur Blvd, Potomac, MD 20854
Map Link
- Park anywhere in the large parking lot onsite and walk to the C&O Canal Trust’s Volunteer Check-in, located across from the bathrooms
- Note: This is not Great Falls Park in Virginia! This is the C&O Canal in Maryland.
- Restrooms: Flush toilets onsite, including family restrooms.
Cushwa Basin
205 W Potomac St, Williamsport, MD 21975
Map Link
- Restrooms: Flush toilets onsite, including family restrooms.
Saturday, December 6 at 10 am – 12 pm
Help us clean up one of the most visited locations in the park!
Location:
Weverton
Keep Tryst Rd, Knoxville, MD 21758
Map Link
- Parking for Weverton is at the eastern end of Keep Tryst Road (look for the small roundabout). Park along the side of the road – carpooling is highly encouraged! Walk through the CSX gate, cross the railroad tracks, and meet inside the park gates near the towpath.
- Note: This is not the Weverton Cliffs parking lot!
- Restrooms: There are no restrooms at this location. The nearest bathrooms in the park are at Brunswick, located here. It is advisable that you visit restrooms before arriving at Weverton.
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 a Media Release and volunteer waiver 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