Stonemade Stream Clean-Up with Cumberland River Compact

On Friday, March 21st, Big Blue Outside and four students stepped outside for a hands-on stewardship outing at the Stonemade Stream behind the Kroger on TN-100 in Nashville. This Initiative was made possible through meaningful collaboration with Cumberland River Compact, a nonprofit in Nashville dedicated to enhancing the health of the Cumberland River through education, collaboration, and action.

Our group consisted of four passionate Tennessee State University students: Chaz Hardy, Andreanna Crook, Sade Winslow, and I, Ambassador Jhanya Chenault, with the support and help of our incredible advisor, Mr.Foster, and other passionate people in the area. We rolled up our sleeves and removed over 200 pounds of trash from the stream. 

Cumberland River Compact selected the site, and we were amazed by the work they’ve done in the Nashville community. As TSU ambassadors, we’ve always admired their commitment, so collaborating with them was not only inspiring but also rewarding. 

The day was honestly perfect as the sky was clear, the sun was out, and had an amazing group of motivated students and individuals. We were grateful for the on-site guidance of Anna LePetri, Volunteer and Events Coordinator, who helped make this event a reality, and Natalie Stone, Urban Waters Program Coordinator, who provided hands-on support throughout the clean-up. 

Our participants walked away feeling very proud and shared how amazing it was to witness the transformation of the area and to know their actions contributed to a healthier stream. A key standout moment was seeing the sheer volume of trash we pulled from the stream and connecting with other local community members, reminding us that collective efforts can create change. 

This outing didn’t just clean up a stream; it also sparked conversations about how we can implement better sustainability practices in our daily routines. I believe our work that day inspired others to treat our environment with love and care, and that small changes can lead to big impacts.