Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m., Feb. 15 through April 30. Learn more.

Clean the Bay Day: Kayak Cleanup

Location of Widewater State Park in Virginia

Where

Program Location: Aquia Creek Paddle Launch
Main Park Address: Widewater State Park, 101 Widewater State Park Road, Stafford, VA 22554.

When

May 2, 2026. 8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

For Clean the Bay Day 2026, park rangers at Widewater State Park will be leading a volunteer shoreline cleanup from kayaks along the Aquia Creek!

Nitrile gloves and trash grabbers will be supplied by the park, but they are in limited supply. You are welcome to bring your own if available. Children 6-12 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian in the same kayak, and children 13-17 may paddle solo but must be under the supervision of a parent/guardian. All paddlers are required to wear a properly fitted personal floatation device (PFD).

The group will meet inside the Visitor Center at 8:30am to check in, before heading down to the Aquia Creek paddle launch together. Be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen, and dress to get wet!

Registration with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation is required for this program. You can register here.

oil drum removal on kayak

About Clean the Bay Day

Each year Virginia State Parks participates in the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Clean the Bay Day, an event dedicated to protecting and preserving the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Park visitors are invited to join a clean-up to help remove litter, debris and pollution from rivers, streams and shorelines that feed into the Bay, contributing to the health of the Bay’s ecosystem and ensuring cleaner water and safer habitats for wildlife.

Other details

Standard parking or admission fee applies: Yes.
Extra fee: No.
Registration required: Yes.
Children welcome: Yes.
Phone: 540-288-1400
Email Address: widewater@dcr.virginia.gov