- This event has passed.
Cumberland River Kayak Cleanup
Our namesake needs cleaning! Join the Cumberland River Compact and Cumberland Kayak & Adventure Company for an afternoon of removing trash and debris from the Cumberland River.
Volunteers will take off from the Shelby Park Boat Ramp and enjoy scenic river recreation while removing litter from the Cumberland River’s banks. No kayak? No problem! The Cumberland River Compact will provide a limited number of kayaks, and first-time kayakers are welcome. If you can bring your own kayak, canoe, paddleboard, or other small watercraft, please email volunteer@cumberlandrivercompact.org and let us know! By bringing you’re own, you’re opening up a spot for an additional volunteer. Once the event is full, volunteers must provide their own kayak or paddling equipment to participate.
Volunteer Requirements:
- Registration on VolunteerHub is required to participate and secure a free kayak rental for the event. Paddles and life jackets will also be provided to those registered.
- 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 with anyone under 18.
- No prior kayak experience or volunteer orientation 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 ~3 mile kayak route.
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.
- A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and a snack to keep your energy up.
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 volunteer event, depending on availability. Private volunteer events and personalized event requests are available through a donation-based partnership with the Compact.
- Interested in hosting your own independent cleanups? Reach out to Adopt-a-Stream@cumberlandrivercompact.org to inquire about adopting a stream section in Nashville!