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For more information about the event or how to participate, visit www.tellicowater.org or email info@tellicowater.org.

WATeR Announces Annual Lakeshore Cleanup on March 21, 2026, as It Celebrates 25 Years of Protecting the Tellico Watershed 

LENOIR CITY, TN — January 27, 2026 — The Watershed Association of the Tellico Reservoir (WATeR) will host its annual Lakeshore Clean-Up on Saturday, March 21, 2026, continuing a long-standing tradition of environmental stewardship during a milestone year as the organization celebrates its 25th anniversary. The event is primarily sponsored by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).

Founded in 2001, WATeR has spent a quarter century protecting the health and beauty of the Tellico Reservoir by monitoring water quality, building and maintaining 31 miles of East Lakeshore Trails, and volunteer engagement. The Lakeshore Cleanup remains one of the organization’s most impactful and visible community initiatives.

Each year, the event draws strong community participation, with more than 20 community groups joining forces to remove debris from the shoreline and nearby coves. On average, volunteers collect approximately four tons of trash, helping to preserve water quality, wildlife habitat, and the natural beauty of the reservoir.

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

Volunteers will be assigned shoreline areas and provided with safety instructions and cleanup supplies. Community members of all ages are encouraged to participate, and local civic organizations, clubs, and neighborhoods are invited to join as teams.

The Lakeshore Cleanup is one of several special events planned throughout 2026 to commemorate 25 years of protecting the Tellico Reservoir and engaging the community in environmental stewardship, made possible in part through the continued support of TVA.

About WATeR

Founded in 2001, the Watershed Association of the Tellico Reservoir (WATeR) is a nonprofit, all volunteer-based organization dedicated to protecting and preserving water quality, shoreline, the East Lakeshore Trail, and responsible stewardship of the Tellico Reservoir and surrounding watershed. 

WATeR is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.