Volunteers will rescue creeks and rivers from a tangle of accumulated trash that builds up along the banks and in the water during the upcoming Big Sweep. Now in its 25th year, all 50 states and more than 90 countries participate in the all-volunteer Big Sweep effort.

In Haywood County, the Big Sweep will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22, along Richland Creek in Waynesville, led by Haywood Community College students in the Natural Resources Department and the Haywood Waterways Association.

Haywood Waterways is also coordinating volunteers to take on creeks and streams in their own neck of the woods that same day.

“Big Sweep is a great way to get involved with an event that has a huge impact on water quality in Haywood County and meet your Adopt-A-Stream commitment to do that yearly cleanup of your adopted waterway,” said Christine O’Brien, coordinator for Haywood Waterways.

To learn more about forming a Big Sweep team, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 828.226.8565.

To join the Richland Creek team led by HCC students, meet at 9 a.m. in the Bi-Lo’s Grocery Store parking lot off Russ Avenue to divide into teams. 828.627.4564.

• The Big Sweep in Jackson County will be Oct. 6 along the Tuckasegee River. 828.508.3377.

• The Big Sweep in Swain County will be Oct. 6. 828.488.8803.

• The Big Sweep in Macon County was held in August.