Earth Week Cleanup – Perry County with Cahaba River Society
April 24 @ 9:30 am - 1:30 pm
FreeCome join us on Thursday, April 24th for a walking cleanup of Perry Lakes Park, located about 5 miles northeast of Marion, AL.
Walking description: With an established trail system, we will have no problem making our way through the trails of the park to remove litter and some invasive species. We will also head down to Barton’s Beach to clean along the banks of the Cahaba. If you decide to enjoy the entirety of the park’s offerings, you would likely walk between 2-3 miles at the most. If you are looking for a shorter walk, the Lakes Loop is around 1 mile and the walk to Barton’s Beach and back is about the same.
Paddling description: At 9.5 miles, this segment is one of the longer segments we will be cleaning during Earth Week. We will take breaks for lunch and leg stretching along the way, and CRS staff will ensure that the group is moving at a good pace. We will meet at the Radford Cahaba Blueway access where we will pass out gear and choose paddling partners. From there, we will set the shuttle so that your vehicle is at the Suttle Cahaba Blueway access when we finish the trip. More details about the shuttling process will be shared on the morning of the trip.
First built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1935, Perry Lakes Park is a birder’s paradise. A series of oxbow lakes long ago separated from the main channel of the Cahaba River, these waters are still home to an amazing variety of plant and animal life today. Make sure to leave a little extra time to catch the view from above the canopy at the top of the fire tower. There is room for about 6 at a time on the tower’s viewing platform.
CRS will provide grabbers, bags, and gloves. There is no charge for this trip. Folks are absolutely welcome and encouraged to head to the CRS website for donations to offset program costs to CRS.
Don’t forget to join us on Saturday, April 26th at Cahaba Brewing for a celebration and awards ceremony!
What to Bring:
Water (at least 1 liter)
Lunch
Sunscreen
Sun hat
Close-toed shoes (required)
You are welcome to bring a cooler for your water and lunch, but alcohol is prohibited.
Register:
Visit https://cahabariversociety.
About Earth Week:
The Cahaba River Society invites volunteers to join our Earth Week Clean-Up from April 21-25, 2025. Each day, teams will remove litter and invasive species along the Cahaba River’s channel, banks, and tributaries to support native wildlife, reduce erosion, and promote a clean river and healthy lifestyle. The Cahaba flows through five counties, and clean-up efforts will focus on a different county each day.
This week-long event highlights the Cahaba’s biodiversity and challenges, connects participants with the mission of CRS and partners, and aligns with global efforts for clean waterways. Volunteers will patrol various river segments on foot or by canoe, learning about the Cahaba and the organizations working to protect it.
Last year’s event was a resounding success, with 162 volunteers removing over 6,000 pounds from the Cahaba and its tributaries.