Time for Creek Week and Big Spring Clean

McDowell Creek near Lake Pines Drive

Creek Week and the Big Spring Clean return this week, with a local focus on protecting McDowell Creek in Cornelius and Huntersville.

The weeklong effort, organized by Mecklenburg County Storm Water Services, highlights the importance of local waterways that serve as tributaries to lake watersheds.

On Saturday, March 28 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., volunteers can register to clean up sections of McDowell Creek, remove litter, and help prevent debris from reaching the lake watersheds. Organizers say community involvement along the creek is critical to improving water quality.

More than 500 volunteers removed 20,000 pounds of trash countywide during last year’s effort throughout Mecklenburg County, with local creeks among the areas impacted. Officials hope to build on that momentum this year.

“Creek Week and the Big Spring Clean give us opportunities to feel more connected to our natural environment, as well as our neighbors,” said Mecklenburg County Storm Water Services Director Don Ceccarelli. “We invite residents to find a cleanup near them and join their community in cleaning up our collective backyard.”

In addition to cleanups, residents can take part in educational programs and outdoor activities aimed at raising awareness about stormwater runoff and its effects on creeks and lakes.