AUGUSTA, Ga. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District, J. Strom Thurmond Lake and Dam Project Office seeks individual and group volunteers for the annual lake cleanup campaign as part of the 30th annual National Public Lands Day, Sept. 23, 2023, with check-in at the Below Dam South Carolina Recreation Area beginning at 8 a.m.
Below Dam Recreation Area is at 384 Power Plant Road, Clarks Hill, South Carolina. Volunteers can help with a variety of projects, including debris cleanup, brush clearing, landscaping and trail and park maintenance along the shoreline, islands, recreation areas, coves, old road ends, and bridge areas. A picnic for volunteers follows the cleanup.
“We invite scouting groups, civic organizations, sports clubs, church groups, businesses, families and individuals to join in,” J. Strom Thurmond Lake Park Ranger Hannah Sue Hulpke said. “The event begins at 9 a.m. and ends at noon.”
To participate, volunteers must complete and return a volunteer agreement. Adult participants volunteering as a group can complete a group volunteer agreement. Completed forms can be dropped off or mailed to the Thurmond Project Office at 510 Clarks Hill Highway, Clarks Hill, SC 29821or emailed to CESAS-OP-T@usace.army.mil. Registration deadline is Sept. 16th.
All volunteers should wear closed-toed shoes, long pants (planned work could result in potential staining and damage to volunteer clothing) and bring plenty of water. Volunteers are asked to arrive at least 15 minutes early for check-in and a safety talk. Participants will receive one free t-shirt and a one-day pass for free admission to any federal park site (while supplies last.)
In the event of severe weather conditions, National Public Lands Day events will be cancelled. No rain date is scheduled. National Public Lands Day is a nationwide day of service for volunteering at local, state, and federal public lands.
For more information, contact Ranger Hulpke at 864-333-1172 or toll free at 800-533-3478, extension 1172.
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Release no. 23-019