Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful (KTNRB) is seeking volunteers for four cleanups beginning October 14, 2023, that will be held in three states during October, which is celebrated as ‘Keep the
Tennessee River Watershed Beautiful Month presented by the Tennessee Valley Authority.’
The big deal this year: volunteers will be aiming to help KTNRB surpass 600,000 lbs. of trash removed since forming. The nonprofit began in 2016 and was removing a little over 10,000 lbs. of trash a year until introducing its first boat to the water in 2019. Since then, annual trash totals have grown substantially and now with a fleet of two boats, KTNRB has already set a new record in 2023 with 153,909 lbs. of trash removed so far this year.
Volunteers will be taken out on five 30-foot john boats to clean shorelines identified with large deposits of litter. Each of the four cleanups will take place in Tennessee, Mississippi, and Alabama within the Tennessee River watershed.
“This river system is one of the most beautiful and biodiverse rivers in North America, and it’s always inspiring to see how many people come out during this month of celebrating the Tennessee River watershed,” said Kathleen Gibi, KTNRB Executive Director. “We’re grateful for the continued support from TVA, whose administration challenged us to begin hosting the river celebration that only keeps growing each year!”
The month will also include proclamations from governors and mayors across the Tennessee River watershed and KTNRB challenged its network of nearly 200 river mile adoptees to host their own river cleanups during the month. Additionally, those who are unable to participate in a cleanup can still help protect the Tennessee River by taking a pledge in KTNRB’s #Pledge4Rivers campaign.
