Canoers, man your paddles.

And trash bags.

The annual Scioto Brush Creek Sweep is set for May 21 and organizers are hoping to get volunteers to paddle a stretch of the stream looking for litter.

While picking up debris and litter along the stream they’ll learn more about the stream, called unique by Ohio fish and wildlife officials because of its water quality and number of aquatic species that inhabit it.

“It also has more than 30 rare plant and animal species living within its watershed area and along the banks,” said Jeff Montavon, who works with the Scioto Soil and Water Conservation District, one of the sponsors of the special clean-up day.

Speakers are lined up to discuss water quality concerns and let participants know about issues affecting the stream, which heads up in Adams County and flows across Scioto County to empty into the Scioto River.

For more information on how to become a part of the sweep, call Montavon at (740) 259-9231.