Registration is now open for the 18th annual Durham Creek Week, scheduled to take place from March 14 to March 22. The event encourages people of all ages to participate in activities at local waterways, including organized cleanups, hikes, paddles, exhibits, and other educational opportunities.
Most events during Creek Week are free of charge. Details about registration and a full schedule can be found on the event’s official website at DurhamCreekWeek.org.
The City of Durham’s Environmental and Street Services Department and Keep Durham Beautiful are hosting the event. The goal is to encourage residents to help protect creeks, rivers, and lakes in the area.
“Durham Creek Week offers ways to reduce litter in local creeks and enjoy the outdoors,” said Tania Dautlick, executive director of Keep Durham Beautiful. “When individuals join the community effort to reduce pollution and learn skills to improve the environment, we make Durham healthier for everyone.”
Since its start in 2009, Durham Creek Week has always taken place during the third week of March. More than 5,800 volunteers have joined over the years, collecting nearly 239,000 pounds of litter. The City’s Impact Team and the Durham County General Services Department will continue their involvement by removing and recycling collected waste.
People who prefer participating from home can play Creek Week Bingo or use recommended books and resources provided by organizers.
To sign up for a cleanup or get more information about events, visit DurhamCreekWeek.org. Questions can be directed by phone at 919-560-4326 ext. 30235 or by emailing Laura Smith.
The City of Durham Environmental and Street Services Department handles residential waste management and recycling as well as maintaining city streets, bridges, and stormwater systems.
Keep Durham Beautiful is a nonprofit organization that partners with city departments and county officials to promote environmental protection through cleanups, beautification projects, waste reduction initiatives, and education. More information is available on their website along with updates on social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Flickr, LinkedIn, and Bluesky.