Time to rescue the river

Carol EvansOur Town Outdoors

One of the coolest things about our beautiful area is how enthusiastic our residents are when it comes to cleaning it up.

Neighborhoods tend to take the lead on dry land, but one of the leaders in tackling the water pollution is Ijams Nature Center, which will hold its 30th Annual Ijams River Rescue on Saturday, April 6. The operation takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at about 50 different cleanup sites along the Tennessee River and its tributaries.

Each year, between 600 and 800 volunteers pick, pull and pitch tons of trash from these areas. It’s amazing what one can find dirtying up our creeks, streams and riverbanks. Some items can seem humorous, but the threat to the environment is no laughing matter.

Volunteers may come as individuals or in a group, such as families, friends, corporate teams, scout troops or church groups. Bags and gloves are provided, and each location has a site captain to assist volunteers.

Call 865-577-4717 for more info or click here for details and registration.

Not surprisingly, there are plenty of organized hikes and walks this time of year to help folks enjoy the dogwoods and other flowering trees. You can find them and other fun activities in the Outdoor Knoxville event calendar.

 

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