- This event has passed.
Cumberland River Kayak Cleanup
Have you ever driven over the Cumberland River on Korean Veterans Boulevard and thought, “hmm, there’s some litter down there”? Maybe so. Have you ever driven over it and thought, “wow, that’s the source of my drinking water”? Maybe a little less likely – but it’s true! With these two things in mind, it’s imperative that we do all we can to keep this massive waterway clean for humans and wildlife alike.
At this kayak cleanup, volunteers will disembark from the Nashville East Riverfront Landing beside Nissan Stadium (which is also home to the Compact’s annual Dragon Boat Festival!), traveling three miles round-trip on the Cumberland River to collect litter and debris from its waters and banks. Kayaks will be provided to a limited number of volunteers who register for the event on VolunteerHub. Once the event fills, volunteers must provide their own kayak, canoe, paddleboard, jon boat, or other small watercraft to volunteer and must contact the Volunteer Coordinator in advance in order to participate.
What to Bring & Wear:
- Clothing and shoes that can get wet and dirty. No flip flops or backless slides, please!
- A hat and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
- Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and snacks if needed.
What We Provide:
- Gloves, litter grabbers, trash bags, and all necessary cleanup materials.
- A brief educational talk about water conservation in Nashville!
Volunteer Requirements:
- Volunteers must be at least 13 years old and able to operate their own kayak. A parent or guardian must sign a waiver on their child’s behalf and attend the event on the water with anyone under 18.
- No prior kayak experience is required—just a positive attitude and a willingness to help Middle Tennessee waterways.
- Volunteers must be able to meet the physical demands of a three mile kayak route, including a 1.5 mile paddle upstream.
Contact:
For questions or additional information, please reach out to volunteer@cumberlandrivercompact.org.
This cleanup is made possible thanks to funding from Metro Water Services and Metro Nashville, and their dedication to ensuring the Cumberland River and its tributaries are clean. Don’t forget – that’s where 3 million people get their drinking water!
- Looking to volunteer with a group? Please contact Anna at volunteer@cumberlandrivercompact.org to be plugged into this volunteer event or another, depending on availability. Curated, private volunteer events are currently available to event sponsors.
- Interested in hosting your own independent cleanups? Reach out to Adopt-a-Stream@cumberlandrivercompact.org to inquire about adopting a stream section in Nashville!