<body><div>The Conasauga River is a true gem in our community. Winding through Whitfield and Murray counties, it’s not just a peaceful escape for outdoor lovers but also a crucial part of our local environment. Its waters eventually feed into the Gulf of Mexico, connecting us to a much larger ecosystem. That’s why keeping it clean and healthy matters so much.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2bWt3j_0wJ2qX2g00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2bWt3j_0wJ2qX2g00" width="940" height="788" ></figure>If you’ve ever spent time kayaking or fishing in the Conasauga you know how special this river is. But beyond its natural beauty, the Conasauga provides water for local industries and is home to some of the most diverse aquatic life in North America. It’s so unique that some species, like the Conasauga Logperch, live nowhere else in the world.Unfortunately, the river faces threats from litter and pollution. It’s easy to forget about small litter like plastic bottles or fast-food wrappers but when these pieces aren’t picked up they end up in our waterways. Litter that starts on streets often finds its way into storm drains or is washed into streams after rain, eventually landing in the river. This not only harms wildlife but turns our beautiful river into an eyesore.Last year, volunteers at the Conasauga Watershed Cleanup removed more than 6,500 pounds of trash from the river and surrounding areas. That’s a huge amount of waste — tires, plastic bottles and other debris that could have continued damaging the river’s ecosystem. Just imagine how much more we could do if even more people joined us this year.On Saturday residents of Whitfield County, Murray County and Polk County, Tennessee, are invited to the 30th annual Conasauga Watershed Cleanup. It’s an opportunity for the community to come together for a few hours to pick up trash from nine locations along the river. Whether you’re an avid outdoor enthusiast or someone looking to make a difference, this is your opportunity to contribute.Don’t worry if you’ve never done a cleanup before, it’s easy. Volunteers will be provided with gloves, trash bags, water and snacks. And as a thank you you’ll receive a T-shirt and possibly a stainless-steel travel mug, koozie or sticker featuring the rare trispot darter (while supplies last). Just wear comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting dirty, and you’re set.You might wonder “Can a few hours really make a difference?” Absolutely! Watersheds like the Conasauga’s are vast areas where water drains into a single body of water. The Conasauga’s watershed covers 730 square miles, so every piece of trash picked up has a big impact. By removing litter before it reaches the river we help protect the entire ecosystem — animals, plants and humans — who depend on clean water.The river is home to around two dozen endangered species, and trash in the water can disrupt their habitats and threaten their survival. Every piece of plastic removed from the watershed prevents further harm to the river’s delicate ecosystem.Plus, the cleanup is a lot of fun. You’ll be out in nature, working alongside neighbors and friends, breathing fresh air and getting some exercise, all while making a tangible difference. There’s something deeply satisfying about cleaning up trash and knowing you’re helping restore the natural beauty of the area.If you’ve ever been bothered by litter in ditches or along roadsides, this is your opportunity to take action. It’s a small time commitment with a huge payoff, not just for the river but for all of us who love and rely on it. We’re not just protecting one of the most biodiverse rivers in the country, we’re ensuring future generations will be able to enjoy it, too.So are you ready to make a difference with us? Visit www.keepdaltonwhitfieldbeautiful.org to learn more about the event and find directions to each of the nine cleanup sites or call (706) 226-6211 for details. Let’s come together and keep the Conasauga River clean, healthy and beautiful.Amy Hartline is the recycling and education program coordinator for the Dalton-Whitfield Solid Waste Authority. Have a recycling question? Contact her at (706) 278-5001 or ahartline@dwswa.org.</div></body>

Mountain View, CA

NewsBreak

Help keep our Conasauga River beautiful

The Conasauga River is a true gem in our community. Winding through Whitfield and Murray counties, it’s not just a peaceful escape for outdoor lovers but also a crucial part of our local environment. Its waters eventually feed into the Gulf of Mexico, connecting us to a much larger ecosystem. That’s why keeping it clean and healthy matters so much.