This event has been canceled. We are heartbroken to see the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, and our thoughts are with everyone impacted by the storm. We will coordinate with Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation to participate in another cleanup later on.
The Catawba Riversweep is one day a year when citizens from all over the Catawba-Wateree River Basin come together to clean up on the same day. We are volunteering on Saturday, October 5th to help ensure local waterways look beautiful, are safe for swimming and fishing, and are free of pollution.
Cleanup Location: Our cleanup location is the Paw Creek Vineyards Boat Ramp on Lake Wylie in Charlotte, North Carolina. Lake Wylie is part of the 8,900 miles of waterways that make up the Catawba-Wateree Basin which runs throughout 26 counties and two states (NC/SC). This lake feeds into the main stem of the Catawba River and is an important waterway as it provides essential habitat, recreation through trails and parks, and becomes the source of drinking water for our neighbors downstream.
Guest Policy: Club members may bring one guest each. When beginning the registration process through our website, include your guest’s name, email, phone number, t-shirt size, and emergency contact information.
Volunteer Options:
- Land Volunteer (pick up trash on the bank and river’s edge)
- Motorboat Captain (bring your own motorboat to drive people and trash around)
- Motorboat Passenger (get dropped off to pick up trash at various places; not guaranteed as it is dependent on how many motorboats are available)
- Non-Motorized Watercraft (bring your own kayak, canoe, or other kind of individual boat to paddle around and pick up trash)
How to Find Us: Meet us at the Vineyards Boat Ramp at 8:30 AM. Look for the ski pole with our banner.
What to Wear: Due to the nature of river cleanups, please be prepared to get dirty and/or wet regardless of the volunteer position you signed up for. Wear shoes and clothing you don't mind getting dirty and wet. Closed toe shoes are required. We DO NOT recommend Crocs.)
What to Bring:
- A full water bottle
- Recommended: Sunscreen and/or bug spray
- Optional: Day pack to hold your personal belongings
- Optional (but highly recommended): Change of clothes and towel
What Catawba Riverkeeper Provides:
- All clean up materials, including trash grabbers, gloves, and trash bags
- Tarps for boat captains to protect their boats from the trash being collected
- Water to refill your water bottle
- Basic first aid and hand sanitizer
- Instruction before and during the cleanup activity
- Information about the Catawba Riverkeeper
- An on-site bathroom
- A Riversweep-Sized After Party
- A free t-shirt to thank you for your time
After Party Details: If you’re able, join us at the Boathouse in McAdenville from 11:00 am - 4:00 pm to hang out with some awesome people, listen to live music, play games, maybe participate in a raffle, and see some of our vendors. As a thank you for all your hard work, food and your first beer is on Catawba Riverkeepers!
Age Policy: Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times.
Registration Deadline: You must register by Saturday, September 21st. This gives us time to order t-shirts.
Weather Policy: The event may be canceled due to rain or storms. You will receive an email notice within 24-48 hours if we have to cancel.
Event Leaders: Please contact Alisa Weber at 704-685-0780 or David Stoner at 704-604-5202 with any questions.
