Volunteering to help keep our river and local parks clean can be as easy as picking up a bucket and a tool (and putting it back when you're done).

The Friends of the James River Park (FOJRP) has installed a series of DIY litter-cleanup stations around Richmond parks, free for visitors to utilize during their visits. Each DIY service station allows visitors to borrow litter buckets and trash grabbers while venturing around participating parks.

Once you've collected trash — any amount helps — FOJRP encourages you to empty and seal it into the provided trash bags at the station and leave them there for a staff member to pick up. If you know you'll be using one of these stations, we recommend bringing a spare trash bag in case supplies run out.

Current locations:

Belle Isle Park
22nd Street Entrance at Belle Isle, "near the Buttermilk Trail fire road at the bottom of the 21st Street steps," reader Kristin F. adds
Forest Hill Park, "near the entrance to the big parking lot off of 42nd Street," reader Angie M.B. adds
Pony Pasture

Coming Soon:

The Friends of James River Park informed us that another DIY station is in the works for Fonticello Food Forest in Southside. Stay tuned.