The 15th Annual Tennessee River Rescue this year will take place on Saturday, Oct. 4, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. as environmentally conscious citizens don working gloves, pick up a trash bag and take to the Tennessee River.
This year, there are 13 zones for clean up from Harrison Bay S. Park down to the Suck Creek boat ramp with more than 700 participants expected for the day of the clean up. That’s up from last year’s numbers, and organizers anticipate growth and interest in conservation to continue.
“This event has experienced growth over the past few years as people from all over the Chattanooga area become more aware how the Tennessee River affects us all,” said Christine Bock, Tennessee River Rescue organizer.
Organizers attribute the growth in participation to the Tennessee River Rescue volunteers helping to get the word out, as well as the growing interest in the river by all citizens of Chattanooga.
“With the 21st Century Waterfront development underway, people are thinking more about the river,” said Bock. “People want a clean, safe place to take their families and enjoy nature. We don’t just pick up trash out of the river, we try to educate the next generation so that hopefully someday we won’t have nearly as much trash to pick up.”
The one-day event is open for anyone to participate. Volunteers will receive a t-shirt, working gloves and trash bags for the clean up. Prizes are given each year for the most interesting piece of trash collected.
“You wouldn’t believe some of the things we’ve pulled out of the river,” said Nancy Brice, volunteer and veteran to the river rescue efforts. “Everything from tires to cell phones to washing machines. We’ve seen just about everything.”
For more information on the zone nearest you and how you can become involved in the Tennessee River Rescue, please call 785-4177.