Every April, when the snow melts and reveals the litter on the sidewalks, forests, trails and beaches of Homer, HoWL DiRtBaGs clean it up. Local businesses and community members support the DiRtBaGs and HoWL need-based scholarships, through donations during Clean-Up Week.

​To Participate:

Youth ages 8-18 meet at the Bishops Beach green Monday-Saturday where they dispatch to litter locations. Snacks, gloves, safety vests and DiRtBaG t-shirts are provided. In addition to scholarships, HoWL recognizes youth who pick up the most trash, get the dirtiest, or exemplify teamwork and leadership during our party on Saturday. 

DiRtBaGs collect pledges from businesses and community members. When pledge money is submitted to HoWL after Clean-Up week, a scholarship of equal amount is applied toward the cost of a HoWL program.

If you missed Clean-Up Week, but still would like to be eligible for a DiRtBaG Scholarship, you can do an independent clean-up or alternative environmental service project. Contact HoWL’s Programs Director to find out more! 

REGISTRATION IS FREE AND WILL OPEN FOR 2025 IN FEBRUARY!

To Volunteer:

DiRtBaG Clean-Up Week is made more magical by the adult volunteers who help us pull it off. Every year we need responsible adults to: supervise and drive crews to litter locations, provide snacks for the DiRtBaGs, and assist with the party on Saturday. To volunteer, contact HoWL’s Programs Director!

To Sponsor the DiRtBaGs:

DiRtBaG Scholarships rely upon the generosity of Homer’s local businesses and community members. Your cash donation translates directly to both: a cleaner Homer and a youth getting to participate in a HoWL program. 

2024 Sponsorship Benefits:

$250+ cash donation = Your logo on the 2025 DiRtBaG Tee-shirt, a Gratitude flag flying annually at Clean-Up Week, your business name and link on our website

$50+ cash donation or in-kind donation of any value = a Gratitude flag flying annually at Clean-Up Week, your business name and link on our website