ESSEX, MD—The Essex Community Development Corporation is calling on residents to roll up their sleeves for a community-driven environmental effort this spring. On Saturday, March 7, 2026, volunteers will gather for the Back River Neck Shoreline Trash Pickup to help protect the health of local waterways and the Chesapeake Bay.
The event, hosted in partnership with the MD Waterways Foundation and other local organizations, will take place from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM. In a unique collaboration, the Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant has opened its property to the public for the morning, specifically asking for community assistance in clearing debris that has washed up along its shoreline.
Event Details and Logistics
The cleanup will be centered at the Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant, located at 8201 Eastern Avenue in Essex. Volunteers will work together to remove bottles, cans, and other litter that can harm the delicate ecosystem of the Back River and eventually migrate into the Bay.
To support the crew, organizers will provide all necessary cleanup tools, including:
- Gloves and trash bags
- Trash pickers
To keep spirits high and volunteers fueled, coffee and donuts will be served in the morning, followed by a hot dog lunch with drinks once the work is complete in the afternoon.
Volunteer Requirements
Because the cleanup will take place outdoors in early March, organizers are emphasizing the importance of proper preparation. Volunteers are asked to:
- Dress in layers and wear weather-appropriate clothing, as temperatures are expected to be cold.
- Wear sturdy boots or closed-toe shoes suitable for walking on uneven shoreline terrain.
- Bring a friend or family member to increase the impact of the morning’s efforts.
How to Join
While advance sign-up is not mandatory, the Essex Community Development Corporation encourages those planning to attend to notify them in advance to help with supply and food planning…