All encouraged to participate in Island-wide clean-up

MANITOULIN—The Manitoulin Island-wide garbage cleanup is back!

“The sixth annual Island-wide garbage cleanup is returning this spring, from March 15-May 15, and we are inviting residents, schools, businesses and community groups from across Manitoulin Island to take part in a friendly competition to help keep our communities, shorelines and roadsides clean,” said Liam Campbell, environmental technologist with Manitoulin Streams Improvement Association (MSIA).

Organized by MSIA, the event encourages participants to head out into their communities to collect litter while protecting the island’s natural environment. Groups can sign up to clean the roadside, park, beach, trail, shoreline, or neighbourhood, with their efforts contributing toward several community awards, said Mr. Campbell.

“A highlight of this year’s event is the Bridge to Boat Challenge, a special cleanup effort focused on removing garbage from shorelines and waterways between bridges and nearby boat launches across the Island. The challenge helps draw attention to how litter eventually finds its way into our creeks, rivers, and ultimately Lake Huron, where it can impact fish habitat, wildlife and water quality,” continued Mr. Campbell.

Since the event began, the Island-Wide Garbage Cleanup has grown into a remarkable community effort. “To date, 2,183 volunteers have removed 1,335 bags of waste from 624 kilometres of roadsides and shoreline across Manitoulin Island,” said Mr. Campbell. Organizers are hoping to build on that momentum in 2026 and see ever more residents step up to make a difference.

Mr. Campbell explained that last year’s cleanup saw tremendous participation from communities across the Island. The community cleanup award was won by Central Manitoulin, the school cleanup award went to Central Manitoulin Public School (CMPS), and the business/club cleanup award was claimed by the Little Current Lions Club.

Participants interested in joining the Bridge to Boat Challenge or taking part in the Island-Wide Garbage Cleanup can register through the Manitoulin Streams website at www.manitoulinstreams.com where they can select a cleanup location and find the official submission form. After completing their cleanup, participants are encouraged to submit photos of their group, their collected garbage, and their cleanup location through the website so their efforts can be counted toward the competition awards. 

Whether it’s a group of friends, a classroom, a business team or a family looking to spend a day outdoors, organizers say every volunteer makes a difference. “Every bag of garbage removed helps protect Manitoulin’s streams, shorelines, wildlife habitat and the natural beauty that makes the Island such a special place to live,” said Mr. Campbell. “Community members are encouraged to gather a team, pick a cleanup location, and sign up today to be part of one of Manitoulin’s largest community environmental efforts.”