OCCOQUAN, Va. – Volunteers from across the region are invited to roll up their sleeves for the annual FOTO Fall River Clean Up, happening Saturday, October 4 from 9 a.m. to noon. Organized by Friends of the Occoquan (FOTO), the event aims to remove trash and debris from local waterways to help protect wildlife, improve water quality, and support a healthier Chesapeake Bay. The cleanup will take place at five locations: Lake Ridge Marina, the Town of Occoquan, Bull Run Marina, Fountainhead Park, and Occoquan Regional Park.
Participants are encouraged to preregister by emailing FOTO at [email protected] with their names, preferred site, and check-in time. While walk-ups are welcome, preregistration helps organizers plan ahead for supplies and staffing. The cleanup will be held rain or shine, unless weather conditions become unsafe. Volunteers are advised to dress for the outdoors and bring reusable gloves if they have them. Bags and other cleanup supplies will be provided on site.
Friends of the Occoquan has been leading river cleanups since the 1990s, bringing together community members, schools, scout troops, and local businesses in a shared mission to care for area waterways. The event is supported by sponsors including NOVA Parks, American Water, Fairfax Water, Dominion Energy, and Clean Virginia Waterways. For updates or more information, visit friendsoftheoccoquan.org or check out FOTO on Facebook.
