TN River Rescue – 2026
Thirty years ago, a group of environmentalists decided enough was enough. Disgusted by the trash lining the Tennessee River, they started a grassroots effort to make a difference in the Scenic City.
Each year volunteers help protect our source of drinking water during Tennessee River Rescue. Hundreds of people fan out across 20 zones in Bradley, Hamilton and Marion counties to clean up the banks of the Tennessee River and some tributaries. Tons of tires, plastic bottles and other trash have been removed by these eco-warriors over the years.
Formed in 1988, this grass roots work is starting to pay dividends, but there will always be a need for this effort. “We have noticed significant declines in the amounts of garbage we are removing from some of the zones,” said event coordinator Christine Bock. “It would be nice to find ourselves out of business one day, but right now that seems like wishful thinking.”
Join North Chickamauga Creek Conservancy for the Tennessee River Rescue
📅 Saturday, October 3, 2026 🕘 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM 📍 5430 Longview Drive, Hixson, TN 37343 — North Chickamauga WMA canoe/kayak launch, next to the former Earth Fare on Hixson Pike
About the Event
Every fall, thousands of volunteers across Bradley, Hamilton, and Marion counties turn out for the Tennessee River Rescue — one of the region’s largest volunteer cleanup events. This site is coordinated by the North Chickamauga Creek Conservancy (NCCC), and we need your hands, boats, and energy to help keep our creek and river clean.
North Chickamauga Creek runs from Walden’s Ridge down to the Tennessee River at Chickamauga Dam, feeding a 25,000-acre watershed of forest and riparian habitat. Since 1989, NCCC has worked to protect the lands along this creek — and every October, Tennessee River Rescue gives our community a hands-on way to give back to it directly.
Volunteers of all ages are welcome. Whether you’re paddling out to pull debris from the water or working the banks on foot, every bag of trash removed makes a real difference for the wildlife and neighbors who depend on this watershed.
What to Bring
- Closed-toe shoes you don’t mind getting muddy
- Work gloves (we’ll have extras on hand, but bring your own if you have them)
- Reusable water bottle
- Sunscreen and a hat
- Your own kayak or canoe, if you have one and want to help on the water
How to Register
Sign up through the official Tennessee River Rescue site page:
Register for the Earthfare / North Chickamauga site →
Questions?
North Chickamauga Creek Conservancy 📧 paul.hubbard@tn.gov 423-277-0060