East Tennessee’s waterways are getting some much-needed attention this weekend as community volunteers gather to remove litter and protect the natural places we share.

From a neighborhood creek in Fountain City to the shoreline of Fort Loudoun Lake, local organizations are demonstrating that caring for our environment begins close to home. And for those who would rather explore the water than clean it, Ijams Nature Center has some opportunities to enjoy the season.

Good Shepherd invites neighbors to clean up First Creek

The Church of the Good Shepherd is inviting the community to roll up its sleeves and help clean First Creek in Fountain City on Sunday, Oct. 18, from 2-4 p.m.

Volunteers will meet in the grassy area behind First Horizon Bank on Cedar Lane, across from Gentry Griffey Funeral Chapel.

All cleanup supplies will be provided, making it easy for neighbors to participate in this community effort.

The church, located at 5409 Jacksboro Pike, includes caring for creation among its guiding commitments. The cleanup offers residents an opportunity to put that commitment into action while helping protect one of the area’s waterways.

The event will be postponed in the event of heavy rain. First Horizon Bank is among the community partners recognized by the church.

For additional details and weather updates, visit the Church of the Good Shepherd Facebook page.

Volunteers take on trash along Fort Loudoun Lake

There’s more to enjoying the Tennessee River than admiring its beauty. Keeping it clean takes work, and another dedicated group of volunteers is doing just that.

Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful, working with Knoxville Utilities Board and community volunteers, is conducting a shoreline cleanup Friday, Oct. 16, along Fort Loudoun Lake.

The effort begins at 9 a.m. at Gov. Ned McWherter/Riverside Landing Park, 1648 Riverside Drive, in Knoxville.

Volunteers will board two 26-foot workboats to reach shorelines identified for cleanup, collecting litter and debris that threaten the health and appearance of the waterway.

The project is part of the organization’s ninth annual Keep the Tennessee River Watershed Beautiful Month.

According to the organization, more than 15,000 pounds of trash already has been removed through cleanup events this month.

That’s a staggering amount of debris — and a reminder of why protecting our waterways requires continued attention.

The Tennessee River connects communities throughout our region, providing recreation, wildlife habitat and a natural resource worth protecting.

Learn more at Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful.

Paddle under the stars at Ijams

Ever wondered what the Tennessee River looks and sounds like after dark?

Ijams Nature Center is offering guided Starlight Paddles on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 16-17, from 7-9 p.m.

Participants will join Ijams naturalists for a two-hour exploration of the river, learning about the night sky and searching for plants, animals and geological features along the shoreline.

Kayaks, life jackets and headlamps are provided. Participants should dress for the weather and bring water.

The cost is $45 plus a ticketing fee. The program is designed for ages 14 and older, and participants younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Registration and a completed waiver are required. Find details at Ijams Starlight Paddle.

Prefer morning sunshine? There’s a paddle for that

For those who would rather explore the river in daylight, Ijams also offers an Early Bird Paddle on Sunday, Oct. 18, from 9-11 a.m.

Naturalists will lead participants along the Tennessee River, pointing out natural features and wildlife along the way.

Kayaks and personal flotation devices are provided. The cost is $45, and advance registration is available through the Outdoor Knoxville event calendar.

It’s another way to enjoy the changing season from a perspective you can’t get on a hiking trail.

Small actions help protect our outdoor spaces

Keeping Knoxville beautiful doesn’t always require a large organized event. Picking up litter along a greenway, helping remove invasive plants or volunteering for a neighborhood cleanup can make a difference.

Ijams Nature Center and other local conservation organizations provide opportunities for residents to learn about the environment and take part in protecting it.

The Knox Outdoor Learning Coalition also maintains information about educational and community activities, including opportunities involving plants, conservation and outdoor learning.

Whether it’s an organized cleanup or a small act of stewardship during a weekend walk, caring for the outdoors helps preserve the places we all enjoy.

Find your next outdoor adventure

Looking for a trail to explore, a group hike or another outdoor activity? The Outdoor Knoxville calendar from Legacy Parks Foundation is a useful resource for discovering opportunities across East Tennessee.

Have an outdoor event, conservation project or interesting neighborhood discovery? Send suggestions for Let’s Talk: Neighbors, Schools, Leaders or Outdoors to news@knoxtntoday.com.

OUR TOWN. YOUR NEWS.

Stories that connect our community. Read. Respond. Share.

Follow KnoxTNToday on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn and TikTok.

Get all KnoxTNToday articles in one place with our free newsletter. Comments may be sent to news@knoxtntoday.com.