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Schenectady Neighborhood Associations Host Earth Day Cleanup Events Throughout April

Neighborhood associations across Schenectady are hosting a series of Earth Day cleanups throughout April, with many taking place on Saturday, April 25. Residents and volunteers are joining forces to reduce litter, beautify streets, and strengthen community connections. The April 25 cleanups will culminate with the Mohawk-Hudson Earth Fest, a citywide celebration of sustainability and community (full details on that event announced separately).

Local supporters are helping make these efforts possible. Market 32 and Price Chopper are providing lawn and leaf bags, as well as garbage bags, to neighborhood associations. Students from Union College’s Community Engagement and Outreach program will assist with cleanup efforts in several neighborhoods on April 25.

“Neighborhood associations are the backbone of a city, bringing residents together to advocate for their communities and volunteer their time to help ensure they remain beautiful, clean and safe,” said Haley Viccaro, President of Boulevard Appreciation Neighborhood Association (BANA), who worked with neighborhood associations and partners to help organize and promote the various cleanup events. “It is inspiring to see many neighborhood associations hosting cleanups throughout Schenectady in the spirit of Earth Month to reduce litter, protect our environment, and promote sustainability. These efforts are a shining example of the positive change we all can make in our communities when we work together toward a common goal. We encourage everyone to help volunteer in your neighborhood if you can!”

Neighborhood Association Cleanup Events in Schenectady:
• April 11: Bellevue Neighborhood Association cleanup on Broadway from 9 a.m. to noon, beginning at the underpass off Interstate 890 and continuing toward Guilderland and Campbell avenues. Rain date is April 12, contact [email protected] for more information.

• April 18: Stockade Neighborhood Association cleanup meeting at Arthur’s Market at 35 N Ferry Street at 10 a.m. Rain date is April 19, contact [email protected] for more information or visit their Facebook event page and website.

• April 25: Boulevard Appreciation Neighborhood Association (BANA) annual Earth Day cleanup from 10 a.m. to noon, meet at the Calvary Orthodox Church at 1230 Rugby Road. Contact [email protected] for more information or visit their Facebook event page and website.

• April 25: Goose Hill Neighborhood Association cleanup at Steinmetz Park, 2114 Lenox Road from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Contact [email protected] for
more information and register here. Visit their Facebook event page.

• April 25: Engine Hill Blight to Light neighborhood cleanup from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Main Avenue and Chrisler Avenue parking lot. Contact [email protected] for more information and register here.

• April 25: Upper Union Street Neighborhood Association cleanup from 9:30 a.m. to noon, meet at Bruegger’s Bagels at 1634 Union Street. Contact [email protected] for more information or visit their Facebook event page and website.

“Blight to Light is about more than cleaning up – it’s about bringing visibility to the challenges our community faces and opening the door for real conversations and solutions,” said Tiffany Caldwell, a new Mont Pleasant resident involved in organizing the Engine Hill cleanup. “Even in difficult conditions, there is light that emerges when a community supports and rallies behind one another. This effort is about building pride, connection, and lasting change.”

“I really appreciate that the neighborhood association organizes these cleanups, as trash buildup can quickly get out of hand,” said Upper Union neighborhood resident Rima Shamieh. “Our family will be participating together this year. It is a wonderful opportunity for my children to give back to their community and see the immediate positive impact of their actions. This initiative has even inspired us to continue independent cleanups throughout the year, as trash thrown from cars remains a persistent problem.”

“Cleanup efforts like this not only bring Schenectady neighborhoods together, but also remind us why it’s important to lean in and actively build a strong sense of community,”
said Jasenya McCauley, President of Goose Hill Neighborhood Association.

Additional cleanup events happening in April include, but are not limited to –

• April 11-12: Wyllie Street Cleanup with One Schenectady. Meet near 70 Wyllie Street with cleanup shifts from 8 a.m. to noon and noon to 3 p.m. For more information, email [email protected] and register here.

• April 18: Canal Clean Sweep with ECOS and Cycle Schenectady from 9 a.m. to noon, meet at 535 Seneca Street at the bike trail. More information on their Facebook page.

• April 18: Hamilton Hill Earth Day Cleanup with BCNI, a community cleanup event in honor of Earth Day 2026, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Jerry Burrell Park at 753 Hamilton Street. Register here.

• April 22: National Grid-sponsored Earth Day Cleanup from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., meet at Schenectady Central Park’s Main Pavillion. Contact Brandi Landy at [email protected] for more information.

Community members are encouraged to volunteer, participate in local cleanup efforts, or help spread the word. These events highlight the leadership of Schenectady’s
neighborhood associations and the resident-driven movement to keep the city clean, safe, and welcoming.