Many Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper projects and programs depend on the commitment of valued volunteers to complete the quantity and quality of work necessary to ensure success.
All volunteer programs emphasize education beyond the task at hand. Waterkeeper aims to provide participants with additional insight on local and global water issues and identify opportunities to prevent pollution and protect our water and surrounding ecosystems.
2026 Volunteer Opportunities
Below is a list of prominent volunteer events happening throughout 2026. Check back for updates.
July 11
Summer Sweep Pop Up – clean–up at Unity Island from 10 a.m.-noon
Aug. 22
Summer Sweep Pop Up – clean up from 10 a.m.-noon at Thomas F. Higgins Park.
August
RestoreCorps Event: Date and Location TBD
Sept. 12
Join us along the Jesse Kregal Pathway from 10 a.m. to noon for a cleanup by Scajaquada Creek. Registration link to follow.
RestoreCorps
RestoreCorps aims to restore shorelines to be resilient habitats where native species thrive. The program allows our organization to connect with our community and to connect our community to waterways while actively restoring and stabilizing habitat and reducing runoff.
Cleanups
The annual Spring Sweep and year round Solo Sweeps raise awareness about the amount of litter polluting our waterways and inspire communities to take action throughout the Niagara River/Lake Erie Watershed. Volunteers not only protect our water by removing litter but also by collecting valuable data to support clean water advocacy.
Riverwatch
Riverwatch is a water quality monitoring citizen science program that educates the community about ongoing sources of pollution and sheds light on the health of our waterways. The program both connects people to water and inspires the community to take action. Riverwatch volunteers also protect our water by being the “eyes and ears” of our waterways, alerting us to potential illegal acts of water pollution.
Volunteer Ambassadors
Highly trained and educated volunteers that represent Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper on our behalf, increasing our reach and inspiring more individuals to protect water.
Group Volunteers
Seeking group volunteer options? Explore our Custom Programs to learn more and find out how we can work together to continue making improvements around Western New York!
