Clean the Clinch Event in Oak Ridge Set for Nov. 7
October 24, 2026, 3:06 p.m.

OAK RIDGE, TN - The City of Oak Ridge Stormwater Division and its Healthy Waters Program will host the 2026 Clean the Clinch event next month for National Make a Difference Day.

On Saturday, Nov. 7 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., volunteers are encouraged to come out to Melton Lake Park to “Clean the Clinch.”

Healthy Waters emphasized the importance of community involvement in protecting local waterways, stating, “We are proud to support efforts that bring the community together to protect our local waterways. By removing litter from the water and surrounding shorelines, volunteers can help protect fish and wildlife, raise awareness about pollution, and make Oak Ridge a cleaner, healthier place for everyone to enjoy.”

Volunteers will meet at Melton Lake Park Pavilion, where members of the Healthy Waters Program will help individuals launch into the lake from the nearby boat ramp and direct land volunteers for litter pickup along the greenway.

Volunteers are needed to make this event possible. Thanks to sponsors River Sports Outfitters and Adventure Outdoors, limited watercraft will be available for volunteers to use at no cost to remove litter from the water; volunteers are also encouraged to bring their own canoe or kayak if they have them. There will be opportunities for everyone at this cleanup, as the Healthy Waters Program will also need help removing litter along the shoreline and land surrounding the lake.

Litter pickers, vests, gloves, and trash bags will be provided. Volunteers are recommended to wear close-toed shoes and clothes they don’t mind getting messy in.

If you are interested in volunteering, register at https://bit.ly/CleanTheClinch2024, by scanning the QR code below, or by email at healthywaters@oakridgetn.gov.