HARTWELL, Ga. – 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. 27, 2025, 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 Hartwell Lake.
“This year, we are excited to once again be partnering with Lake Hartwell Partners for Clean Water on the clean up,” said Hartwell Lake Chief Ranger Tanya Grant. “Lake Hartwell Partners for Clean Water is made up of government agencies and local organizations who promote source water protection for Hartwell Lake. Hartwell Lake is one of the top visited Corps lakes in the U.S., and the lake’s popularity also results in litter along shorelines, in coves, and on islands, so we need the public’s help in keeping the lake clean.”
There will be 13 locations on Hartwell Lake for volunteers to pick up bags and supplies from 9 a.m. - noon Sept. 27. The locations are:
Georgia: Big Oaks Recreation Area, Mary Ann Branch Ramp, Tugaloo State Park, Gum Branch Mega Ramp, Long Point Recreation Area, Cleveland Ramp, and New Prospect Ramp.
South Carolina: Twin Lakes Boat Ramp, Green Pond Landing, Sadlers Creek State Park, Hurricane Creek Access, Seneca Creek Landing, and Broyles Recreation Area.
Volunteers should register in advance and may visit one of the above listed areas to pick up supplies. They may clean one of our pre-determined sites or choose their own 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 collected trash. Collected trash may be dropped off at the listed locations throughout the weekend.
For more information and to register, go to the Corps’ Hartwell Lake Website to view the cleanup flyer and register by QR code or visit the Lake Hartwell Partners for Clean Water 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.
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