Creek Week 2026: Explore, Volunteer & Help Protect Our Creeks
Published on March 10, 2026
Mecklenburg County is home to over 3,000 miles of creeks, enough to stretch from here to the West Coast. These creeks aren’t just scenic backdrops. They flow to the lakes that supply our drinking water, support wildlife, hold extra water during storms and provide places for families to explore, paddle, fish and connect with nature.
Each year, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services hosts Creek Week, a week-long campaign dedicated to celebrating and protecting our creeks, rivers and lakes. With more than 25 events planned, Creek Week 2026 offers something for every age and interest.
Throughout the week, residents can volunteer, explore local creeks and nature preserves, join educational programs and take action to protect the waterways that connect us all.
Creek Week Events: March 21–28
The week kicks off with the Stormwater Run-off 5K at Latta Nature Preserve, and volunteer opportunities continue all week long. Residents can join creek and park cleanups, help mark storm drains with educational decals to prevent pollution and take part in projects that keep litter out of our waterways.
Beyond volunteering, Creek Week offers plenty of ways to explore, learn and connect with nature. Residents can enjoy guided nature hikes, stream explorations, family story times about the water cycle, kayaking tours and beginner-friendly learn-to-fish events. Educational programs also highlight native tree mapping and identification, wetlands and everyday actions that help protect creeks and lakes.
The Big Spring Clean: March 28
The Creek Week grand finale is The Big Spring Clean on Saturday, March 28, from 9 a.m. to noon. Community members can join neighbors at seven locations across Charlotte-Mecklenburg for a countywide day of action to keep our waterways clean and healthy.
Get Involved
With events happening across the City and Mecklenburg County, there are many ways to participate. Visit the Creek Week 2026 web page to explore the full schedule, learn more about each event and sign up in advance.
Together, let’s connect with the water that connects us all, protect the 3,000 miles of creeks that flow through our communities and preserve them for generations to come.