Area residents will wade into local rivers, lakes and streams as part of the continuing statewide campaign to clean and preserve over 70,000 miles of Georgia’s rivers and streams. The effort will be part of Rivers Alive, a joint program of the Environmental Protection Division’s Adopt-A-Stream Program and the Department of Community Affairs’ Keep Georgia Beautiful Program.

Local volunteers in Conyers/Rockdale County will meet Keep Conyers-Rockdale Beautiful (KCRB) organizers beginning at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Wheeler Park pavilion located at 1350 Parker Road (adjacent to the Rockdale Tennis Center). An appreciation luncheon will be held for all volunteers from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

In previous years, KCRB’s Rivers Alive has resulted in removing over five tons of litter and debris, tires and many large debris items from our rivers, creeks and public drinking water reservoir. This year, it is the goal of KCRB to exceed these numbers and have the most successful event yet.

Groups will be encouraged to sign up for the Adopt-A-Stream program. Groups will be allowed to choose a waterway to adopt and once agreeing to the terms, a sign will be erected by KCRB with the group’s name.

Also, participants are encouraged to bring can goods to the event. All can goods will be donated to the Rockdale County Food Bank.

Volunteer sign-up forms are available at the county offices of the Administration and Services Building (958 Milstead Avenue), and on the County’s website (www.rockdalecounty.org) and forms may be faxed or mailed by request. An appreciation lunch and T-shirts will be available to all who volunteer the day of the event and are registered by Oct. 12. Safety gloves, vests, and trash bags will be provided to all volunteers.

For further information on the Cleanup Event or to sign up, contact KCRB at 770-278-7052 or e-mail kcrb@rockdalecounty.org.