ELBERTON, Ga. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineer’ Savannah District is looking for volunteers to help with trash clean-up and aquatic vegetation planting event at Richard B. Russell Lake Saturday Sept. 27, 2025, from 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m., in celebration of National Public Lands Day.
Scout groups, civic organizations, church groups, schools, sport clubs, businesses, individuals, and families can all participate and gather litter and other non-natural debris along the shoreline and islands in and around Russell Lake. The use of boats, vehicles, or on foot is acceptable for picking up trash anywhere along the shoreline of Russell Lake.
Supplies for collecting trash will be provided in advance and on the day of the event. Litter can be left at boat ramps or brought to Shuck Pen Boat Ramp for tallying and disposal.
Likewise, participants can also help plant aquatic vegetation around the shoreline of Russell Lake. Plants will be available at Shuck Pen Boat Ramp from 8 a.m.-9:30 a.m. on the day of the event. Participants need to bring a shovel or other tools. While the number of plants is limited, participants can plant as many plants as they want at any location – by vehicle, foot or boat. These plants enhance the quality and condition of the lake.
The day ends at 12:30 p.m., for planting and trash pickup, with a free appreciation lunch at the Shuck Pen Boat Ramp.
Release no. 25-037