SAVANNAH, Ga. – Cleanup time returns to Russell Lake! Officials at Richard B. Russell Lake will celebrate National Public Lands Day on Saturday, Sept. 25, by holding a lake-wide cleanup event from 9 a.m. to noon.
Volunteers will gather litter and other non-natural debris along the shoreline and islands in and around Russell Lake. Scout groups, civic organizations, church groups, schools, sport clubs, businesses, and families can participate.
“Again, this year, Beaverdam Marina has partnered to be our base camp. This will give participants a central location to launch boats, bring back trash, buy fuel and pick up bags and gloves,” Park Ranger Annette Dotson, event coordinator, said. “We are also excited to have Richard B. Russell State Park, and Calhoun Falls State Park joining us for the cleanup and special projects.”
Beaverdam Marina is located at 1155 Marina Drive, Elberton, Georgia.
“Bring your boat or come by vehicle and we will assign islands or areas along the shoreline to clean,” Dotson said. “The day ends at noon with a free sack lunch provided by Beaverdam Marina for your hard work. As a token of our appreciation participants will also receive a free t-shirt, and a fee-free federal pass while supplies last, along with a special bag of freebies.”
The cleanup officially begins at 9 a.m. at Beaverdam Marina but volunteers can call ahead for area assignments and start from home.
“It’s easy to register. Simply call the Russell Lake Project Managers Office,” Dotson said. “Once registered, volunteers will receive more detailed information including potential litter collection sites and special projects, trash drop-off locations, and lunch details.”
The volunteer registration forms are also available online at https://go.usa.gov/xFFVd for the sign-up form and https://go.usa.gov/xFFV7 for the volunteer agreement. Both are required. Participants must follow established COVID-19 social distancing guidelines during the event.
For more information, and to register, call Dotson at 706-213-3406, or toll free at 800-944-7207, ext 3406, or email at annette.r.dotson@usace.army.mil
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