Every year, overlanders across the Southeast prove what’s possible when community, stewardship, and action come together. In 2025, Sweep Up the Southeast delivered one of its most impactful weekends yet—mobilizing volunteers across state lines to restore trails, protect public lands, and demonstrate the power of responsible recreation.
With support from a $10,000 grant from the Overland Expo Foundation teams spread out across forests and recreation areas throughout the region, tackling illegal dumping and trail degradation head-on.
Big Impact, One Weekend
In just one weekend, 13 teams across 8 states worked simultaneously to clean up some of the most heavily impacted public lands in the Southeast. Together, volunteers removed an astonishing:
- 60,250 pounds of trash
- 614 discarded tires
- 205.2 miles of Forest Service Roads cleared
From remote forest roads to heavily used recreation corridors, these efforts immediately improved access, safety, and environmental health for everyone who visits these areas.
This level of coordination—and impact—is only possible through strong partnerships and a shared commitment to stewardship.
Protecting Public Lands Across the Region
Sweep Up the Southeast 2025 reached a wide range of U.S. Forest Service lands and recreation areas, including:
- Chattahoochee–Oconee National Forests (GA)
- Talladega National Forest (AL)
- Francis Marion & Sumter National Forests (SC)
- Nantahala National Forest (NC)
- Cherokee National Forest (TN)
- Croatan National Forest (NC)
- Mark Twain National Forest (MO)
- Ocala National Forest (FL)
- Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest (UT)
- Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area (TN)
By working directly in these landscapes, volunteers helped ensure continued access while reinforcing a culture of care and responsibility on public lands.
“Everyone at Venture Unknown Foundation is incredibly thankful to the Overland Expo Foundation for supporting Sweep Up the Southeast 2025. Their grant helped us roll up our sleeves, get to work, and make a real difference in the places we all love to explore.”
Why This Work Matters
Illegal dumping and neglected trails threaten access to public lands across the country. Events like Sweep Up the Southeast show what can happen when volunteers take ownership of the places they love—restoring miles of trails, preventing future closures, and setting a visible example of responsible recreation.
The impact of this one weekend will be felt long after the last bag of trash was hauled away—by land managers, local communities, and everyone who visits these forests in the future.
How You Can Get Involved
Sweep Up the Southeast happens annually and continues to grow each year. To learn more, get involved, or support future cleanups, follow the work of the Venture Unknown Foundation and join us in protecting access to public lands through action.
Become a member of the Overland Expo Foundation to help fund similar on-the-ground projects. Visit our News & Projects page to learn more about past projects.
By investing in people and places, the Overland Expo Foundation is proud to support programs that use adventure as a pathway to lasting impact—on the trail, in communities, and in the lives of those who serve.