Limestone County is a beautiful place. We are blessed with rolling hills, farmland, and beautiful waterways that afford us all sorts of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you prefer walking in the woods, sitting by the river, hunting, fishing, trail riding, or water sports, it is all available right here.
Most Americans live within a mile of a river or stream; however, many people don’t understand how important rivers are to the quality of life in a community. A healthy river provides clean drinking water, thriving fish and wildlife habitats, natural protection from flooding, and lots of recreational opportunities.
People who don’t feel a connection between their river and community are less likely to care for it, which leads to dumping, littering, pollution and overall neglect. It is not just fisherman, hunters, and boaters who are responsible for the river. More than 90% of the trash in and around the Elk River begins as carelessly handled trash on land. Wind, rain, and animals help carry litter through ditches and streams to our beautiful Elk River.
You Can Give Back
On March 8th, 2014, volunteers will unite to clean up the Elk River Canoe and Kayak Trail and surrounding land areas. KALB and TVA will lead this initiative beginning at 8 a.m. Trash bags, gloves, bottled water, and lunch will be provided.
This is a great opportunity for students to receive community service hours, and it offers wonderful environmental education that can be tied to classroom activities.
Group Prizes
Thanks to TVA, we are offering groups the opportunity to win cash prizes! Any group that completes a registration form and works at the river cleanup will be eligible to win. Students under 18 MUST have an adult group leader accompany them the day of the cleanup, and each must have a consent form signed by a parent or guardian. Volunteers 8 yrs or younger must have a parent or guardian with them in addition to the adult leader. The groups that remove the most pounds of trash from the river and surrounding land areas will receive the following:
First Place: $250
Second Place: $150
Third Place: $100
Individual Prize
The volunteer or individual who most closely guesses the total pounds of trash removed will receive $50 thanks to an anonymous donor who cares greatly about our environment. Volunteers may guess free. If you can’t volunteer but want to be involved, you can add your guesses for $1 each. All proceeds will be used to provide supplies for future cleanups. You can enter your guess at the KALB office or at the KALB booth at the Home & Garden Show!
Contact us for more information! This is our river, our water source, our gift. Please help take care of it.
By: Lynne Hart
