CLARKS HILL, Ga. (Aug. 20, 2013) -- Looking for a way to give back to the community with meaningful volunteer work? The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' J. Strom Thurmond Lake invites the public to volunteer during its annual National Public Lands Day Clean-up Campaign.
The campaign begins Aug. 28, 2013, and concludes on National Public Lands Day, Sept. 28, with a half work day and a volunteer appreciation picnic at the Below Dam South Carolina Recreation Area.
The Thurmond Lake Clean-Up Campaign encourages volunteers to pick up litter and debris along public lands and waters of the lake, including the shoreline, islands, recreation areas, coves, old road ends and bridge areas.
"This is an excellent opportunity for scouting groups, civic organizations, sports clubs, church groups, businesses, as well as interested families and individuals who care about preserving public lands and waters to keep the lake looking great for future visitors," said Carl Hatfield, park ranger. "It's a great way to get involved in the community and support public lands."
The Corps encourages volunteers to sign-up in advance at the Visitor Center by calling (864) 333-1129, or by submitting a registration form available online at http://balancingthebasin.armylive.dodlive.mil/thurmond/.
Completed forms can be dropped off or mailed to the Thurmond Project Office at 510 Clarks Hill Highway, Clarks Hill, SC 29821. Forms can also be faxed to 864-333-1150 or e-mailed to CESAS-OP-T@usace.army.mil.
Volunteers can choose an area of shoreline and remove any glass, paper, plastic or abandoned items. Trash bags are available at the Visitor Center, or volunteers can bring their own bags. Collected trash can be dropped off at trash receptacles near Corps-operated boat ramps.
Additionally, volunteers are needed for a community project on National Public Lands Day, Sept. 28, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. The check-in location is the Below Dam South Carolina group shelter, 384 Power Plant Road, Clarks Hill, S.C. Volunteers should wear closed-toed shoes and pants and bring plenty of water. Volunteers are asked to arrive a few minutes early for check-in and a safety briefing. Targeted areas for project improvement include: trails, campgrounds, shoreline and more.
Following the community project, all volunteers are invited to a volunteer appreciation picnic to conclude the clean-up campaign at the Below Dam South Carolina recreation area. All participants will receive T shirts.
Please note in the event of severe weather conditions, National Public Lands Day events will be cancelled. No rain date is scheduled.
The Thurmond Lake Clean-Up Campaign is part of National Public Lands Day, a nationwide program coordinated by the National Environmental Education and Training Foundation, or NEETF. National Public Lands Day began in 1994 with the idea that millions of Americans who use federal, state, and local public lands each year could spend a day volunteering their time to the land and their country. The clean-up is also part of Georgia's statewide "Rivers Alive" program.
For more information, contact the Thurmond Project Office toll free at 1-800-533-3478, extension 1129.
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