Volunteers Sought For Lake Hartwell Cleanup

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District, Hartwell Dam and Lake Project Office is seeking volunteers for the fall “Splash Away the Trash” event on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in support of National Public Lands Day.

Families, friends, scout groups, civic organizations, church groups, schools, sport clubs and businesses can volunteer to help keep the lake clean by gathering litter and other non-natural debris along the shoreline and islands in and around Lake Hartwell.

“This year, we are excited to once again be partnering with Lake Hartwell Partners for Clean Water for the cleanup,” said Hartwell Chief Ranger, Tanya Grant. “They are made up of government agencies and local organizations that promote source water protection for the lake. Hartwell is one of the top-visited corps lakes in the U.S. Unfortunately, its popularity also results in litter along shorelines, in coves and on islands, so we need the public’s help to keep the lake clean.”

There will be seven staffed locations for volunteers to pick up bags and additional supplies from 9 a.m. until noon on Sept. 14. Collected trash can be dropped off at the same locations throughout the weekend: Big Oaks Recreation Area, Hurricane Creek Access, Lake Hartwell State Park, Sadlers Creek State Park, Seneca Creek Landing, Tugaloo State Park and Twin Lakes Boat Ramp. Green Pond Landing is an additional area designated for pickup of supplies.

Volunteers should register in advance to select one of the above areas to clean or to choose a location, such as a shoreline, an island or an access area convenient to them. Volunteers can arrive by boat or vehicle to pick up supplies or drop-off trash.

To register, go to the Corps Hartwell Website to view the cleanup flyer and register by QR code, or visit the Lake Hartwell Partners for Clean Water at https://www.lakehartwellpcw.com/events. For questions, please contact Corps Park Ranger Annette Dotson at 706.856.0300, ext. 0305 or Sadlers Creek State Park Manager Raymond Felton at 864.226.8950.