Polk County residents have a chance to help keep the area’s waterways pristine this Saturday.

The N.C. Big Sweep will be held this Saturday, October 9, and volunteers are needed for the Polk County project.

This year Polk County efforts will again include a section of the Green River and adjacent roadside, as well as a section of the Vaughns Creek Greenway in Tryon.

Cleanups will begin at 9 a.m. and last until 12:30 p.m. The Green River cleanup volunteers will meet at the Fishtop Access parking area on Green River Cove Rd.

The Vaughns Creek cleanup will focus on the stream and trail beginning at New Market Road to the railroad viaduct. Volunteers will meet at&bsp; Ziglar Field in Tryon.

Volunteers should wear clothing appropriate to the weather and are strongly encouraged to wear sturdy closed toe shoes or boots.

“The cleaning of our streams and waterways is a valuable public service, and all participants should know that their efforts are greatly appreciated by local citizens,” said Mark Byington, Polk County Big Sweep coordinator. “Along with all the roadside cleanups and Adopt-A-Highway efforts, these programs help keep Polk County green and beautiful!”

Volunteers can contact Byington at 828-859-6874 or go to the N.C. Big Sweep website at www.ncbigsweep.org to learn more.