AUGUSTA, Ga. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District, J. Strom Thurmond Dam and Lake, is seeking individual and group volunteers for the annual cleanup campaign for National Public Lands Day, Sept. 28, 2024.
National Public Lands Day is a nationwide day of service for volunteering at local, state, and federal public lands. Volunteers can work on a variety of projects including debris cleanup, brush clearing, landscaping as well as trail and park maintenance along the shoreline, islands, recreation areas, coves, old road ends, and bridge areas.
“We invite scouting groups, civic organizations, sports clubs, church groups, businesses, families and individuals to join in,” said J. Strom Thurmond Lake Park Ranger, Hannah Sue Hulpke. “We aim to improve wildlife habitat, driving conditions, and recreation experiences with the various projects.”
Check-in starts at 8 a.m. at the Below Dam South Carolina Recreation Area located at 384 Power Plant Road, Clarks Hill, South Carolina. The event begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 11 a.m. A picnic for all volunteers follows the clean-up. In the event of severe weather conditions, National Public Lands Day events will be cancelled. A rain date will not be scheduled.
The pre-registration deadline is Sept. 14. To participate, individual volunteers should complete and return a volunteer agreement. Adult participants volunteering as a group can complete a group agreement. Completed forms can be emailed to CESAS-OP-T@usace.army.mil, dropped off at or mailed to the Thurmond Project Office at 510 Clarks Hill Highway, Clarks Hill, S.C. 29821. Day-of registration starts at 8.a.m.
Volunteers should wear work attire that could potentially get stained or damaged, and for safety, all volunteers should wear closed-toed shoes, long pants and bring plenty of water. Volunteers should arrive 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.)
For more information, contact Ranger Hulpke at 864-333-1172 or toll free at 800-533-3478, extension 1172.
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