rivrts3 Keep our rivers clean at the Valley Creek cleanup this August — Come together with the community to make a big difference. (Nathan Watson/ Bham Now)

The Jefferson County Department of Health is looking for volunteers to help keep our beautiful Alabama rivers clean. Come out and join the community on Saturday, August 12 for the annual Valley Creek Fall clean-up at five locations along the creek.

Keep reading to learn more about Valley Creek and how you can get involved.

Why Valley Creek?

trashq Keep our rivers clean at the Valley Creek cleanup this August — Each year, Valley Creek cleanup removes tons– literally TONS– of debris and litter from our waters. (Nathan Watson/ Bham Now)

Among our state’s wide and beautiful range of waters, Valley Creek is a hidden gem and one of the city’s prominent natural resources. Beginning under downtown Birmingham and flowing west all the way to the Black Warrior River, Valley Creek is a watershed for places like West Birmingham, Bessemer, Hueytown, Pleasant Grove and more.

The creek, which ranges about 46-miles from start to finish, is a thriving habitat to tons of native plants and aquatic critters.

The clean-up is coordinated by the Valley Creek Cleanup Committee, which includes:

Save the date

Want to get involved? From 8:30-11AM on August 12, volunteers will help remove litter along creek banks. All ages are welcome, however volunteers ages 12-15 must be accompanied by an adult.

Clean-up supplies will be provided and there will be a Valley Creek committee representative present to help volunteers at each of the five locations, which include: