The Pamlico-Tar River Foundation is seeking volunteers to get a little dirty.

Saturday, the organization and a volunteer crew will hit the river and riverbanks as part of NC Big Sweep. Anyone who’d like to participate in keeping the Pamlico clean, and protecting the wildlife is welcome to attend, according to Matt Butler, PTRF’s environmental program manager.

Starting at 8 a.m., volunteers will meet at Havens Gardens in Washington, grab trash bags and begin a westward sweep along the waterline, picking up debris as they go. At the end of the event, the garbage plucked from the river and its banks will end up where it belongs — in a landfill.

PTRF has sponsored semi-annual cleanups twice a year since 2006 and netted more than 16 tons of trash. According to Butler, the cleanups are part of PTRF’s mission to keep the waterways healthy, through education, outreach and advocacy — a multi-pronged approach that aims to make residents aware of how they can do their part to protect the waterways, as well as legally challenge industry or government agencies that could harm area rivers and their tributaries.

“Since 2006, we have seen the participation in our fall and spring cleanups increase tremendously. We are thankful that so many within the community want to lend a helping hand to keep our rivers and streams free of trash that could contaminate our greatest natural resource,”  said Heather Jacobs Deck, Pamlico-Tar Riverkeeper.

“Doing these cleanups twice a year gives us the opportunity to clean up not only aesthetically, but also items that end in the river that may harm the wildlife,” Butler said.

Volunteers are asked to wear long pants and sturdy shoes. Those who would like to do on-the-water cleanup by kayak or boat will need to supply their own boats and life vests. Trash bags and gloves will be provided. Volunteers should meet at the Havens Gardens boat ramp at 8 a.m. For more information, call organizer Guy Blackwell at 252-947-0363.