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COLUMBIA (WACH) - Volunteers will gather Wednesday to improve the quality of a Columbia stream.

Congaree Riverkeeper, a local advocacy group that works to protect and improve water quality, wildlife habitat, and recreation in rivers in the Midlands, is giving volunteers an opportunity to get involved in their efforts through a clean-up event.

Volunteers will clean a section of Rocky Branch Creek in Maxcy Gregg Park from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Wednedsday.

The event is part of a Clean Stream Award that Congaree Riverkeeper received from the City of Columbia aimed at protecting our local rivers and streams and reducing runoff pollution.

"Congaree Riverkeeper is working to improve the conditions of our urban streams.  This clean-up is just one part of that goal.  Trash removal is important, especially for the aesthetic enjoyment of these areas, but, we also need to work with our partners at the City and local watershed organizations to address the other issues of flooding, pollution from runoff, and urban development. When you improve urban streams you help reconnect people with the environment and improve quality of life.  We are working to give these amazing resources back to the community so they can be enjoyed by all," said Bill Stangler  with Congaree Riverkeeper.

Interested participants are asked to meet at the Maxcy Gregg Pool parking lot.