ALTERNATIVE SPRING BREAK

Every March, college students from across the country head to Memphis, TN, for five days on the river with Living Lands & Waters.

Our Alternative Spring Break program gives students the chance to trade the beach and bar scene for boats, muddy shorelines, hard work, and a whole lot of fun. Students spend the week exploring the river by boat and on foot, working alongside Chad Pregracke and the LL&W crew to remove trash from the river and its shorelines.

But ASB is about more than cleanup. Students from different schools come together for a week filled with challenges, games, skits, friendly competition, Memphis flair, and plenty of time to get to know their fellow river rats. They get their hands dirty, experience life on the barge, make new friends, and leave knowing they helped make a real difference.

Since the program began, more than 2,700 college students have taken part in Alternative Spring Break and helped remove nearly 2 million pounds of trash from our nation's rivers.

It's spring break with a purpose, and it's one you won't soon forget!

Ready to trade the typical spring break for a week on the river?

Join us in Memphis for one of two five-day Alternative Spring Break sessions in March 2027.

Week 1: March 7 - 11

Week 2: March 14 - 18

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

2027 Program Information

Lodging

Lodging

LL&W has a room block at the Comfort Inn Downtown Memphis.
Rooms have two full-sized beds and can accommodate up to four people. Rooms are approximately $142 per night, which works out to about $35.50 per person per night when four people share a room, or approximately $177.50 per person for Sunday night through Friday morning.
The hotel also charges a $10 nightly parking fee. There are three complimentary spaces available for charter or coach buses.
The hotel provides a complimentary hot breakfast each morning, and every room has a refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker.
Alternate Lodging: Groups and students are welcome to arrange their own lodging. If you choose to stay somewhere else, the $75 per-participant program fee is still required, but you won't pay LL&W for hotel accommodations.
Meals
Meals
LL&W provides:
- Sunday dinner: Welcome dinner at Central BBQ in downtown Memphis
- Monday–Thursday lunch: Catered lunch on the barge
- Monday–Friday breakfast (for hotel guests): Complimentary hot breakfast is provided at the Comfort Inn for hotel guests
Participants are responsible for their own dinners Monday through Thursday.
We also recommend bringing snacks to keep at the hotel. Each room has a refrigerator and microwave, so you'll have a place to stash some food.
Have a food allergy or dietary restriction? Let us know as soon as possible so we can plan accordingly.
You're also welcome to bring your own lunch aboard the barge if you'd prefer.
Transportation

Transportation

Participants are responsible for getting themselves to and from Memphis.
You'll also need transportation between the hotel and the boat ramp each day. The boat ramp is approximately 15 minutes from downtown Memphis.
Groups are welcome to coordinate transportation together.
Cost & Payments

Cost & Payments

Each participant pays a $75 non-refundable program fee to secure their spot. This fee is required for everyone, whether you're staying at the ASB hotel or making your own lodging arrangements.
Fees are due as soon as possible and no later than November 20, 2026. ASB is first-come, first-served, and we cannot guarantee your spot until your payment is received.
Payments can be made online here.
Please include a notation of “2027 ASB - University/College Name” with your payment.
Example: 2027 ASB - Smith College
We also accept checks made payable to Living Lands & Waters. Please include your group name and mail payment to:
Living Lands & Waters
17624 Route 84 North
East Moline, IL 61244
If you're staying at the designated ASB hotel:
Final lodging payment is due 60 days before your group's arrival date.
Contact

Contact

Alternative Spring Break Coordinator:
Leah Cafarelli
leah@livinglandsandwaters.org / 309-230-0057