Renew Our Rivers is gearing up for its 17^th year, with over 30 cleanups scheduled in 2016.

Since the program’s inception, about 100,000 volunteers have collected over 14 million pounds of trash and debris, leaving a lasting impression on waterways across the Southeast.

Renew Our Rivers began with one Alabama Power employee who had a vision to improve the health and beauty of the Coosa River near Plant Gadsden where he worked. Thousands of volunteers now participate each year, devoting their time and hands for a few hours to make a difference.

Throughout 2015, individuals and groups of all sizes worked together to remove more than 470,000 pounds of trash across the state.

“Renew Our Rivers engages thousands of community volunteers and partners each year, creating a unique partnership with one goal in mind: cleaning Alabama’s rivers and watersheds,” said Matt Bowden, vice president of Environmental Affairs at Alabama Power. “We are fortunate to have so many people and organizations supporting the cause. It is especially exciting to see a new generation of younger volunteers getting involved in the stewardship of our lakes and rivers.”

Alabama Power’s stewardship team assists at each cleanup, providing guidance and supplies to event organizers and volunteers. Through programs like Renew Our Rivers, Alabama Power is partnering with others in promoting conservation and environmental stewardship in communities across the state.

For an up-to-date listing of Renew Our Rivers cleanups scheduled in 2016, please visit http://renewourrivers.com/2016-schedule/.