KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Over 500 volunteers worked together earlier this month to clean up 17.4 tons of trash from 39 sites along East Tennessee’s waterways during the 37th annual Ijams River Rescue.
The event took place on March 21, with 584 volunteers working at 39 sites along the Tennessee River, creeks, streams and shorelines in Knox, Anderson, Blount and Sevier counties. Those volunteers collected 1,273 bags of trash, as well as 114 tires and other large items, like traffic barrels, shopping carts, broken windows and a riding lawnmower.
Bald eagle released in Oak Ridge after recovering from lead poisoning
Ijams Nature Center said the volunteers’ more interesting finds included 40 feet of barge line, 125 square feet of docking, two toilets, medical equipment, a box of shotgun shells, underwear, and a full plate of food that had been left behind on a bench.
“It was a beautiful day and we were absolutely thrilled with the turnout. I can’t express how grateful we are to all of the people and partners who made this event possible.” Ijams Volunteer Manager Brandy Cox said. “It’s sad that we still find so much trash in and along our waterways, but it’s heart-warming that so many people are willing to help remove it during Ijams River Rescue and the many other cleanups that happen in our communities throughout the year.”
In total, the volunteers cleaned up 34,800 pounds of trash, which is more than the 17.2 tons of trash collected from 34 sites in Knox, Anderson, Blount, and Loudon counties during the 2025 Ijams River Rescue event…