Annual Rotary River Clean-up set for July 19

Friends of Warren County’s waterways are invited to roll up their sleeves and grab a paddle for the 18th Annual River Ride and Clean-Up, returning Saturday, July 19. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of McMinnville, the event aims to preserve and protect local rivers through community-driven cleanup efforts.

A group of 220 volunteers, divided into 23 teams, converged on local waterways last year, cleaning 42 miles of river and removing items ranging from small litter to tires and major debris.

Volunteers will gather at Pepper Branch Park July 19 beginning at 7:30 a.m., rain or shine, with teams launching from multiple sites to cover nearly 50 miles of the Barren Fork and Collins rivers and Charles Creek — the latter added for the first time in 2024. Organizers hope to expand even further this year, continuing their long-term goal of reaching 100 miles of cleaned waterways.

Online pre-registration is encouraged, especially for those needing kayaks, life jackets or cleanup equipment. The first 100 volunteers to register will receive a free T-shirt and a $10 gift card for Smooth Rapids.

The event is supported by sponsors including TVA, the City of McMinnville, Warren County, TWRA, McMinnville Electric System and numerous local businesses and organizations. To sign up, follow this link.