Elk River Cleanup

Elk River Cleanup Benefits More Than Canoes, Kayakers and Anglers

The Elk River skirting the northern and western boundaries of Limestone County is more than just a recreational trail for hundreds of canoers,  kayakers and anglers annually. The Elk River serves as the drinking  water source for much of Limestone County making it a crucial waterway to keep clean. This is where local organization, Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful along with the Tennessee Valley Authority and their volunteers come to the rescue each March.

 In 2016, Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful along with the Tennessee Valley
 Authority and dozens of volunteers on land and water removed over 4,000 lbs of trash with only 1,460 lbs of it recyclable. Canoers, kayakers and  fishing boats returned to the ramp hauling an array of items including plastic lawn furniture and discarded tires and bags full of trash.

 Groups along shore gathered mountains of waste as well as they strolled the scenic riverbanks. The items recovered were either discarded  directly into the river or washed down the watershed endangering not only watercraft, but swimmers, wildlife and the community's water quality.

 Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful will be returning to the river on March 4, 2017 to again clean the shores and waterways and are looking for volunteers of all ages who want to lend a hand in keeping our drinking water clean. Volunteers should bring gloves and wear long sleeves and pant and remember sunscreen and bug repellent for additional protection. Volunteers are welcome to bring their watercraft and come the waters for floating or submerged garbage.

 Volunteers who work from 8:00 a.m. until noon will enjoy a lunch (pre-registration required) and your name will be entered into a drawing for prizes. More information, register and reserve a lunch at
 256-233-8000 or email [email protected]. Register to volunteer digitally