Several different organizations are partnering this weekend to hold a cleanup event at the Doe River.

Erica Malpass, Appalachia CARES AmeriCorps member and Stewardship Coordinator for the Northeast Tennessee Regional Economic Partnership, said they had heard about the Appalachia Paddling Enthusiasts efforts in the region and wanted to set up something similar.

“They have done cleanups in the past,” Malpass said. “We decided to combine efforts with a pre-existing cleanup planned.”

This weekend will feature four different groups pitching in to assist. Along with NETREP, Appalachia CARES Americorps and APEs, the Overmountain chapter of Trout Unlimited will also be participating.

Malpass said the Doe River often has trash piling up at specific points in its flow in East Tennessee.

“I have visited Green Bridge Landing before,” she said. “It can be a real problem.”

Malpass said this cleanup is particularly important because of the river’s importance to the region. Doe River runs through much of Carter County before merging with Watauga River in Elizabethton. She said it is a popular spot for fishing as well as various paddling groups.

“It is absolutely gorgeous over there,” she said. “It is our duty to take care of the environment.”

This river cleanup effort comes only a few weeks after Teaberry Road made headlines for a series of illegal dumpings along the roadside. Keep Carter County Beautiful participated in a roadside cleanup around the same time as an arrest was made.

“The environment is very important to me,” Malpass said. “This will be showing people they can rally together.”

The cleanup will consist of two groups. One will meet with APEs at Green Bridge Landing while the other will meet with Trout Unlimited at the Roan Mountain Community Park. The cleanup will begin at both locations at around 9 a.m. and go to around noon, though Malpass said they would prefer participants arrive at around 8:30 a.m.

The Green Bridge Landing is located at 5150 US-19E, while the Roan Mountain Community Park is located at 146 Carter St.

“It will probably rain, so bring clothes that can get muddy,” Malpass said. “There will be pizza afterwards.”

If the weather gets bad enough to reschedule, she said those interested can get more info on their Facebook page.