Kentucky Waterways Alliance
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Upcoming Events

Join us !

August 15: KWA at Quest Outdoors!


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Join us on August 15, 2026 at Quest Outdoors in Louisville, 2:00 PM. We will show the wonderful 12 minute River Cowboys Documentary and afterwards stay around for WATER THEMED TRIVIA with prizes from Quest Outdoors! 

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Each year KWA hosts at least one clean up in each of Kentucky's seven river basins as part of Our Commonwealth Sweep program. Scroll down to learn additional details for specific events. We are deeply grateful to Seaguar, Stantec, Republic Bank, and Garner Art for their sponsorships of this program
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2026 Middle Fork Kentucky River Clean Sweep
Date: Saturday; August 22, 2026
Event Address: Hyden City Park (Hyden, KY 41749)
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Pc9iBLpSw5thaK7x5
Register here: https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSdxf3KZHuzR1L.../viewform

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REGISTER HERE
Join KWA for a FREE online conversation about nature-based solutions for clean water in Kentucky.
  • Speakers: Chuck Davis, President of the Kentucky Ecological Restoration Association & Beaver Creek Hydrology Director of Operations & Leslie White, Beaver Creek Hydrology Senior Ecologist
  • Our featured presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of how nature-based practices protect our water infrastructure.
  • Case Study Chronicles: Discover the practical realities of project management through a short success story spotlight. The presentation will detail the journey from identifying a watershed issue to developing a concept, securing funding, leveraging partnerships, and navigating lessons learned.
  • Expert Dialogue: Participate in a Q&A session to get direct feedback from leaders in the ecological restoration field.
  • Register here to receive the Zoom link: https://forms.gle/hXBVpHTZmxpeJBjd8 ​​

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Sign up to clean up here
August 29: Commonwealth Sweep Cleanup - Upper Cumberland Basin in Corbin, KY along the Lynn Camp Creek Trail.
Date: Saturday; August 29, 2026
Event Address: Engineer Street Bridge
Questions? Contact Us: (850)890-6900 and [email protected] 
Kentucky Waterways Alliance and our partners at Eastern Kentucky University, Kentucky Division of Water, PRIDE / Kentucky Wildlands, The Center for Rural Development, Corbin Tourist & Convention Commission, and Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission thank you for registering for the 2026 Upper Cumberland Clean Sweep! We are so excited to have you there.  This clean sweep will focus on areas surrounding the Lynn Camp Creek Trail.  We recommend wearing bright colors for visibility and safety. Additionally, make sure to wear long pants and conformable closed-toed shoes to prevent bug bites and injury. 
The schedule of events is as follows: 
  • 8:30 AM to 9:00 AM:  Event check-in and waiver signing.
  • 9:00 AM to 9:30 AM:  Short introductions and instructions.
  • 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM: Split into groups and set out to clean up.
  • 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM: Reconvene at registration area for trash drop off and event conclusion.
Register here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSceg9fiDYCy2YDzr5ppOlSRbTEDMRtcKzePiaWg0ftutQ4ipQ/viewfor

 September 10th is Give For Good Louisville Day of Giving! Stay tuned for details.

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Join KWA and Friends of Red River for a Wolfe Lake cleanup & water plant tour. We are excited to see you and appreciate your service.
*REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED HERE: https://forms.gle/1vaX7egjtrsTKj5y9
This cleanup will take place at Wolfe Lake (also known as Campton Lake), located in Campton, KY. There will be both an 'on the water' and 'on foot' option. We recommend wearing bright colors for visibility and safety. Additionally, make sure to wear long pants and comfortable closed-toed shoes to prevent bug bites and injury. Keep in mind that you may get wet, especially if you are on the water. We recommend bringing a change of clothes for after the cleanup.
The schedule of events is as follows:
9:00-9:30am: Volunteer check-in, registration, and waiver signing.
9:30-9:45am: Short introductions, safety briefing and instructions.
9:45-12:00pm: Clean up Wolfe Lake!
12:00pm: Reconvene to throw away collected trash, "weirdest piece of trash" contest, group photo with our collected trash, and have lunch.
12:45-1:00pm: Head across the street for a tour of the water treatment plant.
1:00pm: Campton Water Plant tour

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 KWA’s Kentucky Watershed Network Online Conversation Series: Community Stories: KWA Watershed Seed Grant Successes 12:00-1:00pm on Zoom. Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdssUBomoTZG5gawK-wP3_x0ecrZ3g1Egv5oaO1SKo9NNoczA/viewform

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KWA Kentucky Watershed Network Summit: What's in Your Water?

Save the date and make plans to join us for KWA's 4th annual Kentucky Watershed Network Summit.  Additional event details here.​

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Join Kentucky Waterways Alliance for the October KY Watershed Network (KWN) Monthly Virtual Session. This month's topic is all about the KWA 2027-2029 Watershed Seed Grant Guidelines and Application + we will answer your grant project questions!
SPEAKER: Laura Gregory, KWA's Watershed Program Director and KWA Seed Grant Administrator.
WHO THIS IS FOR: nonprofits, water quality volunteers & professionals, students, concerned citizens, YOU!
THINKINKING ABOUT APPLYING FOR A GRANT? Ready to turn your passion for local waterways into a tangible community project? Have an idea for a project, but have questions on how to apply? Unsure if your project qualifies? Join us for Octobers KY Watershed Network virtual meetup to walk through the application guidelines, the application, and ask your specific project questions.
Small grant projects spark big impacts across the Commonwealth! Let us help you make water quality improvements in your community!
Register here to receive a zoom link: https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSeFtXr1Zg82dT.../viewform

Past Events

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CANCELED DUE TO RAIN & THUNDERSTORM PREDICTIONS
KWA and our partners for our Earth Day Beargrass Creek Clean Sweep!

Date and Time: Saturday April 18th, 2026
Event Address: Cherokee Park / Beargrass Greenway, parking at lot on Lexington Rd and Ledge Rd
Google maps link (https://maps.app.goo.gl/FWeioDufB24PivsJ9)
Questions? Contact us: (502)802-8008 [email protected]

Kentucky Waterways Alliance and our partners Louisville Metro Sewer District (MSD), Olmsted Parks Conservancy, Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission (ORSANCO), Brightside, Louisville Clean Collaborative, Louisville Metro District 9 Councilman Andrew Owen, and Louisville Metro District 8 Councilman Ben-Reno Weber thank you for registering for the 2026 Beargrass Creek Clean Sweep! We are so excited to have you there.  

Enjoy a special performance by musician Andy Branton, coffee and donuts, and prizes for the weirdest item found, as part of the celebration! 

This cleanup will address areas in Louisville, Kentucky surrounding the Beargrass Creek and Cherokee Park. We recommend wearing bright colors for visibility and safety. Additionally, make sure to wear long pants and conformable closed-toed shoes to prevent bug bites and injury. 
The schedule of events is as follows: 
  • 8:30am-9:00am:  Event check-in and waiver signing.
  • 9:00am-9:15am:  Short introductions and instructions.
  • 9:30am-11:30am: Split into groups and set out to clean up.
  • 11:30am-12:00pm: Reconvene at registration area for trash drop off and event conclusion.

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J​oin KWA for the April KY Watershed Network Monthly Conversation Series on Zoom.
  • Register here to receive the Zoom Link:  https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSdp.../viewform
On Earth Day Eve, learn about Whitney Lewis's Earth Day Challenge to remove 1 million grocery bags of trash in 40 days plus her many years of inspiring trash removal actions. Whitney's organization, Cleaner Kentucky, combines outdoor adventure with environmental stewardship for the mission of clean water, healthy ecosystems, and vibrant communities. You will come away inspired by how one person can make a huge impact in her community and how this work can inspire a whole movement across the region, state, and nation!
Additional topics include:
--Brief KWA legislative update
--You will come away inspired by how one person can make a huge impact in her community and how this work can inspire a whole movement across the region, state, and nation!
--Earth Day Eve / Earth Day Challenge - 1 million grocery bag in 40 day challenge.
--Combining outdoor adventure with environmental stewardship for the mission of clean water, healthy ecosystems, and vibrant communities.
--new business from other KY Watershed Network members (meeting attendees)

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A Town Hall: Our Common Health, Our Commonwealth: 
Who Decides What’s Safe? Connecting Legislation, Pollution, and Our Health

Environmental health, public health, and civic health are deeply intertwined. The condition of our air, water, and land shapes the wellbeing of our communities and the strength of our democracy. Who shows up, who speaks, and who votes determines whether decisions reflect the public’s best interests or the priorities of corporate lobbyists.

On March 16th at 6:30 p.m., join Kentucky Waterways Alliance, Kentucky Resources Council, Kentucky Conservation Committee, and Sierra Club Kentucky Chapter for on Zoom for a discussion on how environmental decisions affect public health and how current proposed legislation would prioritize polluter profits over the health and safety of every day Kentuckians — making it nearly impossible for communities to hold corporations accountable when our most basic necessities are at risk. 

Additionally, the League of Women Voters of Kentucky will share findings from their report How Can They Do That?, which examines how legislation can advance through the process with limited public visibility. ​

Together, we’ll examine how decisions made in Frankfort affect Kentucky’s natural resources and communities, and what Kentuckians can do to shape a healthier future.
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KWA Annual Meeting

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Please join KWA for our Annual Meeting on February 26, 2026 at 12:00 pm on Zoom. We will reflect on the progress we’ve made to protect, restore, and celebrate Kentucky’s waterways, share our priorities for the year ahead, and offer a timely update on the state legislative landscape. This gathering will also mark the inaugural event for KWA's Kentucky Watershed Network new public conversation series — a space for connection, learning, and shared stewardship of Kentucky’s waters. 

September is KWA Month at West Sixth Brewing!

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September is KWA month at West Sixth Brewing! Join us for event at each of the West Sixth Taprooms in September to benefit KWA!
For each pint sold of designated beer sold,  West Sixth for a Cause will donate 50 cents to KWA. For every beer flight sold, West Sixth will give customers the option to donate $1 to KWA. In addition, West Sixth will double their donation amount during Sixth for a Cause Happy Hours ($1/donation beer; 2 double nickels with each flight.

9/4: KWA Trivia Night at Lexington Taproom from 7:00-9:00 PM
9/6: Licking River Cleanup followed by Lunch & Happy Hour at Covington Haus from 12:00-2:00 PM.
9/11: Celebrate KWA Happy Hour at West Sixth NuLu in Louisville from 6:00 PM
9/27: Stone Skipping Competition At West Sixth Farm in Frankfort from 12:00- 5:00 PM

Commonwealth Confluence Summit, September 6

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​Kentucky Waterways Alliance and our partners the Newport Aquarium, WAVE Foundation, West Sixth Brewing, Bluegrass Trout Unlimited, Banklick Watershed Council, City of Newport, Campbell County Waste Management, City of Covington, Covington Stormwater, Keep Covington Beautiful, Center for Great Neighborhoods, KYEEC, Republic Bank, Seaguar, Saint Matthews Episcopal Church, Stantec, National Wildlife Federation, and ORSANCO are thrilled to announce our September 6th, 2025 Confluence Commonwealth Sweep!
Join us to cleanup the Licking River at the confluence of the Ohio River. At this event we are excited address both the Newport and Covington sides of the river! We are thrilled to partner with both cities as we cleanup General James Taylor Park and Randolph Park.
Free food, coffee, t-shirts, cleanup competition prizes and a happy hour at West Sixth Covington Haus following the cleanup for participating volunteers!
Date: Saturday September 6th, 2025 from 8:30am-12:00pm
Location: General James Taylor Park, 100 Riverboat Row, Newport KY, 41071 Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/H3QBwiYNxXMFXPFf7
Registration: https://forms.gle/t33PD91qrgwGDooW6
Timeline:
8:30-9:00 am: Check-in at General James Taylor Park,
8:30-9:00 am: Welcome and Safety Instructions
9:15 am: Some volunteers will be shuttled to Randolph Park while others will stay at General James Taylor Park
12:00 pm: Cleanup ends
12:00-2:00 PM Lunch & happy hour at West Sixth Covington Haus (add location)
We look forward to seeing you there.

Green River Fun Float & Paddle, October 4

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CANCELLED DUE TO GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN
We are excited to announce the Green River Fun Float & Paddle (canceled due to severe weather earlier this summer) is now rescheduled for Saturday, October 4th!
Register Here.  
Participants will have opportunity to cleanup trash along the way. Free Food, Kayak Rental, and T-shirts for participating volunteers!
PLEASE NOTE
  • Registration required.
  • Children under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult and should be able to paddle a single kayak for 4 hours. Double kayaks are not available. Event not suitable for children under 12 years old.
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM: Check-In and Waiver Signing
Everyone participating in this event is required to attend check in at the Mammoth Cave Picnic Area for waiver signing, safety instructions, and grouping up prior to the first shuttle leaving towards Dennison Ferry.
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM: Shuttle from Registration Area to Dennison Ferry for boat launch
Because of shuttle seats, there will be 2-3 total shuttles to get participants and their boats to the launch site at Dennison Ferry. Each shuttle ride will take approximately 20 minutes.
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM: Float / Paddle from Dennison Ferry to Green River Ferry
Once participants are safely on the water, they will paddle/float from Dennison Ferry to Green River Ferry, coving roughly 7 miles of riverway. We are encouraging our participants to enjoy the beautiful scenery, engage in thoughtful conversation, and grab any trash they see along the way! All participants MUST be out of the water at the Green River Ferry NO LATER than 4:00pm.
4:00 PM - 4:30 PM: Boat Take-Out, Prize Awards, Free Food, and Event Conclusion
When participants arrive back at the Mammoth Cave Picnic Area, there will be an opportunity for pictures, free food, and the awarding of our "weirdest item" contest! Participants should expect to be back at their vehicles and free to head out no later than 5:00pm.​

Ohio River Basin Confluence October 16-18th

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Registration is NOW OPEN for the Ohio River Basin Confluence Summit at the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville. The three day Summit is focused on clean water, river recreation, and thriving communities. If you have previously attended (or always wanted to attend) the KWA Kentucky Watershed Network Conference, this Summit is for you. We encourage not only professionals, but volunteers, concerned citizens, and anyone who is interested in the health of the Ohio River, its tributaries, and all the people who depend on these waters. In Kentucky, 97% of our waterways drain to the Ohio River and the Ohio River Basin as a whole includes 14 states. This is a great opportunity to get involved. Register now for early bird pricing through September 15 ($60.00 for regular tickets, $40.00 for students).
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​Ohio River Basin Restoration and Protection Plan Public Engagement Session: Louisville, Kentucky

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​We want to hear from you! Join KWA for an in person meeting to learn about the the Ohio River Basin Restoration and Protection Plan and share your comments. Reserve your seat here: https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSc.../viewform
97% of Kentucky's waters drain to the Ohio River, so this is plan impacts all of Kentucky, not just the counties that border the Ohio River. The plan supports solutions for cleaning up pollution, reducing runoff, restoring wildlife habitat, modernizing water infrastructure, mitigating the impacts of floods and the prevention of non-native, invasive species. Locally driven clean water priorities anchor the plan to ensure local workforce development and to help communities most impacted by pollution and environmental harm. The Basin encompasses portions of 14 states including Alabama, Georgia,Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Read the plan here: https://www.ohioriverbasinalliance.org/restoration-plan
The report is based on the work of a technical work group consisting of people from academia, state and federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, utilities, businesses and other areas of expertise; community listening sessions in towns and cities; and outreach to Tribal Nations
This comprehensive report that recognizes the numerous environmental improvements in recent decades while calling attention to existing and emerging threats that command a basin-wide, collaborative effort to ensure drinking water, healthy ecosystems, and vibrant economies throughout the region. The report draws from the expertise of a diverse technical committee, including local, state, and regional agencies, academic institutions, industry, and non-governmental organizations, along with input from our Tribal partners and residents in the region who participated in community input sessions.
The plan will be open for public comment through July 18 at 6 PM Eastern, 5 PM Central.

​Cumberland River Cleanup

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Kentucky Waterways Alliance and our partners KYEEC, Seaguar, KY State Parks, ORSANCO, Republic Bank, National Wildlife Foundation, and Joyce Garner Studio are so excited to announce our July 12th, 2025 Cumberland River Cleanup!
Join us to cleanup the Cumberland River and the surrounding areas of General Burnside Island State Park. Free food, coffee, t-shirts, and cleanup competition prizes for participating volunteers!
Date: Saturday, July 12th, 2025 from 8:30am-12:00pm
Park Address: 8801 US-27, Burnside, KY 42519
Google maps link to boat ramp: https://maps.app.goo.gl/k7bsG5QXYrsr3xiR7
Registration: https://forms.gle/mTCBkRkAgeUQcQbr7
We look forward to seeing you there! 

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330 North Hubbards Lane 
Louisville, KY 40207
(502) 589-8008
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  • Home
  • Who We Are
    • Our Vision
    • History
    • Our Team
    • Our Board
    • Our Members
    • Annual Report and 990 Archive
    • Job Opportunities
  • What We Do
    • River Cowboys
    • Kentucky Watershed Network >
      • Watershed Grants
    • Protect >
      • Water Quality Standards
      • Co-Immunity Project
    • Watershed Planning
    • Restore >
      • See A Tire + Report A Tire
      • Dam Removal
    • Cleanups
    • Certified Backyard Habitats
    • Clean Water Better Beer
    • Clean Water Better Bourbon
    • Clean Water Networking >
      • Maps
    • FAQ
  • Give
  • Events & News
    • KWA Events
    • Kentucky Watershed Network Summit
    • Past Events >
      • 30th Anniversary Celebration
    • News
    • Ohio River: Endangered
  • Watershed Groups
    • Bacon Creek Watershed
    • Beargrass Creek Alliance
    • Darby Creek Watershed
    • Harrods Creek Watershed
    • Red River Watershed
    • Completed Watershed Plans
  • Merchandise