Creek Week and the Big Spring Clean Returns
If you straightened out Mecklenburg County’s 3,000 miles of creeks, you would have a long, watery line that stretches from Charlotte to Seattle.
From March 21-28, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services invites the community to Creek Week and the Big Spring Clean, a celebration of these crucial surface waters through volunteering, education, and environmental stewardship.
During last year’s Creek Week and Big Spring Clean, more than 500 volunteers removed 20,000 pounds of trash from parks, greenways, and creeks across Mecklenburg County. Residents can sign up now to join this year’s efforts and make a meaningful impact in their neighborhoods.
Creek Week Offers Something for Everyone
The celebration kicks off with the inaugural Stormwater Run-off 5K at Latta Nature Preserve on Saturday, March 21. The race celebrates the life and work of Russell "Rusty" S. Rozzelle, who served as program manager for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services' water quality program for 45 years. Event proceeds will support the Mecklenburg County Soil and Water Conservation District's Russell S. Rozzelle Scholarship, helping to inspire and educate the next generation of environmental stewards.
There will also be more than 25 educational and volunteer opportunities throughout the week. Activities include fishing lessons, story times, kayak tours, and nature hikes. Residents can learn about native trees during a tree mapping event or volunteer to mark storm drains to protect waterways from pollution. Many of these events are family-friendly and designed for all ages, making it easy for everyone to get involved. Whether you’re looking for a hands-on volunteer opportunity or a fun way to explore the outdoors, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
One-Day Cleanup Brings Neighbors Together
The week concludes with The Big Spring Clean on Saturday, March 28, from 9 a.m. to noon. Residents are invited to join their neighbors at creek and greenway locations around Charlotte-Mecklenburg for a one-day cleanup.
“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.”
Visit StormWaterCM.Info/CreekWeek2026 for more information. Residents are encouraged to sign up in advance.
Creek Week partners include the towns of Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, Matthews, Mint Hill and Pineville. Other partners include Charlotte Wildlife Stewards, Keep Charlotte Beautiful, Charlotte Toolbank, Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation, Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, North Carolina Wildlife Federation, Charlotte Landscape Management, UNCC Bass Fishing Team, Merry Oaks Neighborhood Association, and the Lake Norman High School Key Club.