Alabama Power’s Renew Our Rivers program is once again bringing communities together to protect and restore the state’s waterways, marking its 27th year of cleanup efforts across Alabama.

Since its beginning in 2000 as a grassroots initiative by employees at Plant Gadsden, Renew Our Rivers has grown into one of the largest river cleanup programs in the nation. What started as a response to litter along the Coosa River has evolved into a statewide movement powered by volunteers, local organizations and community partners who share a commitment to cleaner, healthier waterways.

The impact has been substantial. Over the past 25 years, more than 104,000 volunteers have participated in Renew Our Rivers events, removing more than 13.5 million pounds of trash from rivers, lakes and streams throughout Alabama. In 2025 alone, more than 3,500 volunteers collected approximately 243,000 pounds of debris during 28 cleanup events.

2026 cleanup schedule underway

The 2026 season continues that momentum, with approximately 27 cleanups scheduled from March through November. The effort kicked off March 7 with the annual Valley Creek Cleanup, spanning areas including Adger, Bessemer, Birmingham and Providence. Additional cleanups will take place across the state in the spring, pause during the summer months, and resume again in late summer and fall.

Spring events include cleanups at locations such as Smith Lake, Lay Lake, Weiss Lake, Lake Mitchell, Lake Jordan and Holt Reservoir. Volunteers will return later in the year for additional efforts at sites including Neely Henry Lake, Village Creek, Dog River, the Mobile River and Lake Martin, among others. A full list of dates and locations for 2026 is available on Alabama Power’s Renew Our Rivers webpage.

A “refresh and reset” for communities

Beyond the numbers, the program’s impact is deeply local. Community partners and volunteers work together to remove items like plastic bottles, tires and other debris that can harm ecosystems and water quality. These efforts not only improve the appearance of Alabama’s waterways but also help prevent pollutants from entering the environment.

Organizers say the enthusiasm behind the program remains as strong as ever. “After 26 years, our volunteers are still excited about Renew Our Rivers. They understand the value, seeing the big improvement afterwards. They’re ready to get out there,” says Environmental Affairs specialist Mike Clelland.

The cleanups are more than just environmental work—they are opportunities for communities to come together and create meaningful change. For many areas, especially those with limited resources, these events provide what participants often call a “refresh and reset,” restoring pride in local waterways and shared spaces.

How to get involved

Renew Our Rivers welcomes volunteers of all kinds, from civic groups and neighborhood associations to scout troops and individuals looking to make a difference. Each cleanup plays a role in preserving Alabama’s natural beauty—ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the state’s lakes, rivers and streams.

Those interested in participating can visit alabamapower.com/ROR to view the full 2026 schedule and find details on how to get involved.