Register HERE for walking cleanup.

Register HERE for paddling cleanup.

Walking Cleanup

We’ll meet the Church of the Highlands Parking lot at 9:00 AM. From there volunteers will be shuttled to the meeting spot at the Grants Mill Cahaba Blueway access point. Volunteers will be split into small groups working on different projects including litter cleanup along the roughly one-mile trail, removing invasive species like privet and kudzu, and helping with habitat restoration near the parking area and trailhead. Restoration work may include dispersing native seed, planting native plugs and seedlings, and stabilizing eroded areas.

Paddling Cleanup

We’ll paddle and clean one of the most popular stretches of the Upper Cahaba River. Volunteers will meet at Grants Mill Rd Cahaba River Trail and Canoe Launch in Irondale. From there, we’ll paddle approximately 7 miles downstream from Grants Mill Rd to Old Overton Rd, collecting litter and removing invasive species along the way. This stretch of river is known for its beautiful forest, abundant wildlife, and historic remnants from the area’s coal mining past.

More details on this paddling cleanup in the registration link.

Cahaba River Coalition will provide grabbers, bags, and gloves for all cleanups. This is made possible through the generosity of our community. Please consider becoming a member of Cahaba River Coalition to support future stewardship efforts.

What to bring:

• Water (at least 1 liter) 
• Lunch or snacks 
• Sunscreen 
• Sun hat 
• Closed-toed shoes (required)

What to wear:
Wear clothes you don’t mind getting a little dirty. If you plan to get in the water, you must wear closed-toed shoes. (Crocs and Chacos don’t cut it!)

Register HERE for walking cleanup.

Register HERE for paddling cleanup.

About Earth Week:

Cahaba River Coalition’s Earth Week (April 20–24, 2026) is an annual series of volunteer events during the week of Earth Day, focused on removing litter and invasive species from the Cahaba River’s channel, banks, and tributaries. Cleanups are held at key locations throughout the watershed, protecting water quality and supporting wildlife along one of North America’s most biodiverse rivers.

Volunteers can participate on foot or by canoe, gaining hands-on experience while helping create a healthier river for both people and wildlife. Last year, nearly 170 volunteers removed more than 3,300 pounds of litter from the Cahaba.

Thank you to our sponsors!

Cahaba River Coalition Earth Week is presented by Wells Fargo

This cleanup is sponsored by Hubbell