South Orange River Day 2026 Set for May 3 With Rahway River Cleanup and Family Activities

South Orange will host River Day 2026 on Sunday, May 3. Volunteers will gather at Meadowland Park for a Rahway River cleanup and hands-on learning. The free event runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Skate House by the pond off Mead Street.

The South Orange Environmental Commission and South Orange Village organize this yearly gathering. Protection of local waterways drives the mission. Kids and adults can pitch in.

According to Village Green NJ.com, volunteers will fan out across the Rahway River for a cleanup. Marc Rogoff teaches for NJ Fish & Wildlife. He'll bring the Wild on the Outside exhibit with touchable artifacts from local animals.

The Rahway River Watershed Association plans to show off a 3D watershed model — it helps people see how water moves through the area. AmeriCorps Watershed Ambassador Betsy Chernoff will lead Get to Know Your River tours right along the water's edge, guiding curious explorers through what makes this waterway tick.

Electrify SOMA will share home energy upgrade tips. Meat Me In The Middle offers guidance on plant-based eating.

South Orange Middle School Student Scientists will show river curriculum materials they've been working on. Master gardeners from the Community Garden will answer questions and swap tips with anyone who stops by.

You can pre-register through the event website. Check-in goes faster that way. Organizers want volunteers dressed for outdoor work — waterproof boots or shoes that can get wet are a must.

Rain pushes things to Sunday, May 17. Weather updates will appear on social media at @southorangevillage and @sogreenteam.