The 16^th year of Renew Our Rivers is in full swing, with the completion of successful cleanups on the Alabama River, Cahaba River and Lake Eufaula.

The Logan Martin Lake Protection Association and Alabama Power are teaming up for the 15^th annual Renew Our Rivers Logan Martin Lake cleanup which kicked off Saturday, March 21, and ends on Saturday, March 28.

The week-long cleanup provides volunteers of all ages with numerous opportunities to help pick up trash, with the option to begin at one of the following collection sites:

• Lakeside Landing
• Riverside Marina
• Poor House Branch Marina
• Woods Surfside Marina
• Clear Creek Marina.

“Last year, we were overwhelmed with the number of volunteers who showed up the first Saturday and continued to come back to clean throughout the week. They would ask, ‘where can I get more bags?’, and remained involved until the final cleanup day,” said Linda Ruethemann, president of Logan Martin Lake Protection Association.

Volunteer opportunities abound for students

Renew Our Rivers continues to offer cleanup opportunities to students each year, emphasizing the importance of conservation education.

Shirley Skeivelas from Eden Elementary School is taking 28 third- and fourth-grade students on a field trip to pick up trash to jumpstart the cleanup week.

“I spoke with these students a few weeks ago and I was impressed with the enthusiasm they had about doing their part to clean up the lake,” said Johnny Capps, local coordinator for the cleanup and member of the Logan Martin Lake Protection Association.

Local coordinators will provide the students with T-shirts, bags and gloves beforehand, and inform the students on how to carry out a safe, successful cleanup.

The cleanup wrap-up on March 28 will be followed by a picnic at Lakeside Landing off Highway 231 south of Pell City with free food, refreshments and entertainment.

If you would like to join a cleanup in an area near you, check out the Renew Our Rivers‘ schedule on our website, http://renewourrivers.com/.