It's Time for the Annual Lake James Clean-Up

As the veil of winter lifts from Lake James we know that people from near and far are looking forward to summertime at the lake. With clear waters, beautiful surroundings and water sports of every type, it’s easy to get excited about the coming months. Like most places people live, work and play, Lake James could use a good spring cleaning to be looking its best when the guests arrive.

Goodness knows the lake needs it, especially this year with all the flotsam and jetsam that’s been washed downstream as a result of recordbreaking rainfall in the Catawba River Basin over the past 12 months. Everything flows down-river, including trash, and that’s the situation we find ourselves in.

Thankfully, Lake James has a dedicated group of stewards to make sure the area is looking its best for residents, visitors and for the health of the environment. Once again, the Community of Lake James and Lake James Area Wildlife and Nature Society will partner with the state park for the annual Lake James Clean-Up. This one-day volunteer effort takes place March 23 and will focus on the lake shoreline contained within Burke County.

“It started out as a small group of us back in 2002,” explained Howard Morgan, one of the event’s original organizers. “It just kind of grew as more and more communities got involved.”

Last year more than 100 volunteers showed up and filled several dumpsters with trash collected from boats and on foot.

Gloves, trash bags and mechanical grabbers will be available until supplies are exhausted. Water and lunch will be provided. Volunteers who can provide the use of their personal watercraft are especially welcome, as accessing remote shorelines will be a priority. Student volunteers will receive the added benefit of earning a letter of Community Service for their involvement.

For more information or to register to help, call Howard Morgan at (828) 584-0876 or John Stein at (828) 584- 6948.