PLEASE READ FOR UPDATES! The following message was sent out to all volunteers on 10/2/25
Hello, River Rescue Volunteers!
I have run into a problem, but a good one in the grand scheme of things! I went out to Greenway Farm to conduct a site survey in preparation for this weekend, and I was shocked to find there was not a single piece of trash on the ground anywhere on the property. I walked nearly four miles searching for trash yesterday, and all I found was a sprite bottle cap.
That being said, if we keep our clean up at Greenway Farm, we won't have anything to do! This is why we will now be joining our friends with Green Steps to help them clean up Citico Creek near Carver Community Center. There is plenty of work to be done there, as Citico is one of the most polluted tributaries in the area. Specifically, there is a hill by the creek that has collected enough litter to keep us all busy.
Please note the time change as well! If you are no longer able to attend due to the time/location change, I understand, and I apologize for any inconvenience. Please let me know as soon as possible. We just want to make as big of an impact as we can, and we can't make that impact at Greenway Farm. Here are the updated details:
Date: Same day! Saturday, October 4th
Time: 12 - 2:30 pm
Location: Carver Community Center - 600 N Orchard Knob Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37404
Parking: Please park towards the back of the community center parking lot, close to the turnaround. I have attached a screenshot with the primary parking location in red with a star.
Dress: Closed-toed shoes, pants, and a shirt you don't mind getting dirty!
Suggested items: Bug spray, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, long-sleeve shirt, a reusable water bottle.
Weather: Forecast is calling for a high of 83, partly cloudy, with a UV index of 5
Please let me know if you have any questions, and/or if you are unable to accommodate the changes.
Thank you for your flexibility! I am excited to tackle Citico Creek with you!
Be a River Hero and volunteer for the Tennessee River Rescue!
Join hundreds of dedicated volunteers on October 4th for the annual Tennessee River Rescue! For over 30 years, this vital event has brought our community together to protect the beautiful Tennessee River and its tributaries.
You'll be part of a massive state-wide effort, working alongside fellow nature lovers to clean up shorelines, remove tons of trash, and collect recyclables. Imagine the immediate impact you'll make, seeing firsthand how your efforts create a healthier home for the animals that call our state home.
Litter cleanups like this seem simple on the surface, but the impact goes far beyond what we can see. On top of removing the garbage, you'll be safeguarding our source of drinking water and raising awareness about pollution. If you're ready to make a tangible difference, enjoy the outdoors, and connect with like-minded individuals, we need you!
Volunteers must be able to navigate river/creek banks to retrieve litter. We'll announce the specific cleanup location soon, we will target an area that needs some love and TLC.
Ready to get your hands dirty for a cleaner river? Sign up today!
VENUE AND IMPORTANT DETAILS
We have chosen Greenway Farms as our host site! There are many areas where people leave their trash, and it all makes its way to the creek, which makes it way to the river. Volunteers will be picking up litter all around Greenway Farms, not just around the creek. Please see the photo below for information on parking and meet-up points. Parking preference is ordered 1-3.
Attire is anything you don't mind getting dirty! Closed-toed shoes are required to participate. Please bring a refillable water bottle, we will have water available to all participants. Volunteers will be sent a liability waiver to complete one week prior to the event.
Please note the time change! Since we had an incredible response, we are now working from 9 am - 11 am. If you would like to continue your volunteer efforts at another River Rescue event that day, please check out our friends with Green Steps! They are leading a cleanup of the Citico Creek at the Carver Community Center. Click here for more info!
