James River Association employees sort trash after a recent James River cleanup.

The biggest James River cleanup of the year is almost upon us, and there’s still time to lend a hand. The James River Regional Cleanup, sponsored by the James River Advisory Council, is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 8 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Volunteers can select from 18 different cleanup sites throughout the James River watershed. Visit www.jrac-va.org to sign up.

Now in its 19th year, the cleanup is a tremendous regional effort. Each year, volunteers remove hundreds of bags of trash and recyclable materials from the James and its tributaries. The cleanup also serves as the kickoff for James River Week, which features more than a dozen activities celebrating the river.

The cleanup is open to individuals, families, groups, boaters and paddlers. Bring water and gloves, and wear closed-toe shoes. For more information, call 804-748-1567 or email info@jrac-va.org.