Rivers Alive

RIVERS ALIVE is a State of Georgia volunteer waterway cleanup program that aims to keep all watersheds within state lines trash free.  The mission of Rivers Alive is to create awareness of and involvement in the preservation of Georgia's water resources. Volunteers like you can help keep waterways clean, flowing smoothly by removing trash from local creeks, streams, and rivers.  Rivers Alive functions year-round and is a program of the Georgia Environmental Protection Division Outreach Program.

Each year, the Blue Ridge Mountain Trout Unlimited (BRMTU) chapter partners with the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce to sponsor a Rivers Alive Cleanupevent in Blue Ridge, Georgia.  The cleanup day also coincides with National Public Lands Day (the 4th Saturday of September).  Volunteers can help clean up the Tocoa River at the event site or any of the many tributary streams.  People can also drop off trash they collect as part of the event.

Sometimes, volunteers find unusual items such as containers of motor oil, grills and even cars have been pulled out of the river. There are prizes for the most unique items found.

Last year, our Rivers Alive Cleanup event drew 85 volunteers, 

This year, the chapter's Rivers Alive Cleanup expands across 2 days, including 2 events.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2026, 2-4 PM

Students of all ages are encouraged to join the program from 2-4 PM at Fannin Co. High School, 360 Rebel Circle in Blue Ridge. Students and faculty sponsors will be on hand at the high school to store trash and debris collected by the community from area streams, rivers, lakes and ponds.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2026, 8:30 AM - 2 PM

Volunteers from the community and area organizations, services, and businesses spread out across the county engaging in cleanup service that target our streams, rivers, lakes, beaches and wetlands.  Anyone interested in cleaning up the Tocoa River or any of the tributary streams in the area are welcome.

Volunteers are invited to register from 8:30 AM to 2 PM at Tammen Park on Highway 515 in Blue Ridge.   Participants will be provided gloves and grabbing tools, as well as a free T-shirt and lunch.  Anyone wanting to clean a creek should bring their own waders and boots.