BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — The Great Kern River Cleanup is an annual event hosted by the Kern River Conservancy, that encourages the community to remove trash and restore the riverbanks along the Kern River.

This 6th annual event kicks off the Sierra Nevada Watershed Protection Week. The volunteer cleanup event is today, September 14th and will begin at 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Volunteers can sign up online or show up to the meet-up location at the Upper Richbar Picnic Site. This is a family-friendly event, and volunteers will receive a t-shirt and lunch provided by BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse.

The cleanup will begin with an overview of safety precautions. Van transportation is provided for volunteers to the cleanup site in Keyesville. Volunteers will receive plastic trash bags and trash pickers to remove the trash.

Those interested should bring a hat, sunscreen, a reusable water bottle and wear comfortable shoes for walking and hiking.