Chunks of old Styrofoam were removed during Shoresweep 2024.
Registration for the Lake Lanier Association’s 37th annual Shore Sweep opens in early September and there are two ways to participate – use the unmanned advanced drop-off sites that open on September 2 or show up on Saturday, September 20 to participate with other volunteers in on-site collection; registration suggested.
Over the past 36 years, Shore Sweep volunteers have removed more than 2.33 million pounds of trash, debris and garbage from the shorelines, islands and waters of the lake.
“Last year we broke a record for collection with more than 1,200 volunteers removing more than 170,000 pounds of trash,” said Bonny Putney, board member and chair of Shore Sweep. “While these numbers are impressive, it’s a shame that there’s so much trash on and around Lake Lanier.”
Putney suggested that volunteers bring various supplies with them: gloves, trash bags, rope to pull floats from beaches back to drop sites, stakes for floats, sledge hammer for pounding in stakes and a tarp to keep your boat clean.
“Of course, it’s always about safety first, so we strongly suggest that all volunteers wear life vests, bring and drink plenty of and water to stay hydrated,” she said. “A good pair of work shoes is a necessity and be sure to bring – and apply – sunscreen and bug spray.”
For more information about Shore Sweep and to register, visit lakelanier.org.
Photo: file photo
