Volunteers Needed For Johnston County Earth Day Litter Sweep

JOHNSTON COUNTY, N.C. – The Friends of Johnston County Parks will host its sixth annual countywide clean up on Saturday, April 18, in celebration of Earth Day. Volunteers will remove litter from parks, trails, roadways, and other public spaces across the county from 9 a.m. to noon.

The event is part of the North Carolina Litter Sweep program and involves partnerships with local parks and recreation departments, county organizations, and the North Carolina Department of Transportation. Participating locations for 2026 include Clayton, Cleveland, Bentonville Battlefield, Princeton, Smithfield, Kenly, and Flower Hill Preserve, with additional sites to be announced.

Volunteers must register in advance and can select a preferred area of the county to work in. Once all locations are confirmed, the Friends group will assign participants to their chosen sites. Board members will also lead clean ups at several unincorporated areas. Bags, gloves, and safety vests may be provided at some locations, though volunteers are encouraged to bring their own.

Jessica Meadows Rich, event organizer and chair of the Friends of Johnston County Parks, said the annual clean up gives residents an opportunity to make a visible impact on the community. “Earth Day is a great reminder that caring for our parks and public spaces is a shared responsibility,” she said. “Even just a few hours of volunteering can make a real difference.”

Last year, nearly 300 volunteers removed more than 5,000 pounds of litter from public spaces across the county.

Event Details:

• When: Saturday, April 18, 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
• Where: Designated parks, greenways, open spaces, and roadways across Johnston County
• How to participate: Register online at https://bit.ly/3OQBC6f
• Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1589910575616547

The Friends of Johnston County Parks is a 501(c)(3) organization that supports parks, open space, arts, and recreational opportunities for all county residents. Its priorities include advocacy, education, recreation, and stewardship.