The Watershed Association of the Tellico Reservoir (WATeR) is planning to host its annual Lakeshore Clean-Up on Saturday, March 21, 2026, as the group celebrates 25 years since its inception and commemorates the achievement with a continuation of its preservation and conservation efforts.

Initially founded in 2001, the group has spent the past quarter century attempting to safeguard the natural aesthetics and overall health of the Tellico Reservoir.

COMMUNITY COMES TOGETHER


The group participates in routine monitoring of water quality, volunteer involvement and crafting … as well as building and sustaining the East Lakeshore Trails and its current 31-mile stretch of land.

Still, the cleanup event WATeR plans each year continues to see its best community engagement and display a tangible impact in the look and feel of the local communities surrounding the lake.

“This event is a powerful example of what can be accomplished when a community comes together with a shared purpose,” said Tom Ringenbach, Chair of WATeR’s Lakeshore Cleanup event, in a press release.

“As we celebrate WATeR’s 25th anniversary, it’s especially meaningful to see how many individuals and organizations continue to step up year after year,” Ringenbach added.

“Removing tons of trash from the lakeshore has a real and lasting impact on the health of the watershed.”

8000 LBS. OF TRASH

COLLECTED ON AVERAGE EACH SPRING

More than 20 community organizations can typically be found collaborating on this effort in a given year, with an average of more than 8,000 pounds of trash collected in just a few hours.

Groups will remove debris from the shoreline and surrounding areas — helping to clean and keep the natural beauty of the environment while also ensuring a more hospitable habitat for the wildlife that calls the Tellico Reservoir home.

On the day, coordinators will assign volunteers distinct areas of the shoreline, as well as provide safety guidelines and the proper equipment for cleanup.

WATeR encourages community members of all ages — including local organizations, neighborhoods and clubs — to join as “teams” in the spirit of friendly competition in the name of conservation.

In its press release, WATeR states that this cleanup is just one of several events planned throughout the year as they plan to celebrate their milestone anniversary.

The continued efforts shown by the group and its volunteers is partially due to the continued support of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), according to the release.

To learn more about WATeR and their upcoming events, visit tellicowater.org.