CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Catawba Riversweep is a one-day community cleanup of the Catawba-Wateree River Basin that will take place on Saturday, October 3rd rain or shine, according to a news release.
Leading the event, Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation officials say this is the first year organizations and volunteers from 26 counties across the Carolinas are coming together to clean up trash and debris out of the waterways from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
“The communities of the Catawba-Wateree River Basin in both North and South Carolina have proven in the past that they have a commitment to cleaning their lakes, rivers, and creeks. We are excited to see the impact that they can have when they ALL take one morning out of their week and hit the waterways to remove trash,” says Catawba Riverkeeper Executive Director John Searby.
Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation officials say over 1,100 volunteers have signed up for the event, and anyone can register to help by clicking here.
Event officials ask anyone interested in signing up to do so early in order to help maintain social distancing, and for all 26 counties from Lake James to Lake Wateree to be staffed accordingly.
Boat owners are especially needed to help with getting debris out of the waterways, according to a news release.
Event officials say Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group, an organization of water utilities in the Carolinas that works with Duke Energy, is the presenting sponsor of the event, and CLT Toolbank and Recover Brands apparel are also sponsoring the cleanup.
“Community partners with local organizing committees for Riversweep include Lake Wylie Marine Commission, Lake Wateree Association, and the Lake James Environmental Association. Other involvement comes from the City of Rock Hill, City of Hickory, Town of Cramerton, Mecklenburg Parks and Recreation, Keep Mecklenburg Beautiful, Keep Gaston Beautiful, Keep McDowell Beautiful, Palmetto Pride, Anne Springs Close Greenway, Carolina Thread Trail, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Stormwater, and individual members of the Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group,” says event officials.
Riversweep first started in 2002 on Lake Wylie, and since then many other groups are holding their own community river sweeps, according to a news release.
Click here for more information on the Catawba Riversweep.
