The beauty of Lake Lanier attracts over 12.1 million visitors each year. However, that beauty can be marred by the trash that often gets thrown into the water. Each year hundreds of community members participate in the annual Shore Sweep event, coming together to keep Lanier beautiful.
This year’s 33rd annual Shore Sweep will take place on Saturday, September 25. Thirteen sites across the lake will host volunteers who will walk or boat the shore banks of Lake Lanier, to hunt for and remove, trash. “Shore Sweep utilizes volunteers to walk the shorelines, as well as all types of vessels. Boats, kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, Jet Skis and other PWC are all welcome and encouraged to attend and help,” said Jennifer Flowers, executive director of the Lake Lanier Association, speaking Tuesday evening on WDUN’s Newsroom.
Last year’s cleanup resulted in 160,000 pounds of trash and debris being removed from the lake. This year they are hoping to gather even more trash. Flowers says in the past volunteers have found some rather unusual trash. Some of the most interesting items include refrigerators, car parts and boat parts.
"Shore Sweep brings together people from all walks of life to give back to the lake,” said Bonny Putney, Shore Sweep Coordinator. “Last year with the pandemic the event looked a little different but this year we are seeing a return of groups registering. People seem to be ready to get back to volunteering in the community and getting their hands dirty."
On September 25, volunteers can go to any of the thirteen locations lake-wide during the hours of 8 am-1 pm to help. Each year, as many as 1,000 volunteers show up to help.
For volunteers who want to know how to prepare in advance, Flowers says that you should wear close-toed shoes in case there’s glass on the ground. She also said to “be prepared to get a little wet and get a little dirty.” Gloves and trash bags will be provided.
The locations are as follows:
Dawson County:
War Hill Park
Toto Creek
Forsyth County:
Bald Ridge Marina
Shady Grove
Port Royale Marina
Gwinnett County:
Gwinnett Park
Hall County:
Aqualand Marina
Balus Creek Park
Lake Lanier Olympic Park
Don Carter State Park
Gainesville Marina
Lanier Islands
Holly Park
For a contactless registration process or more information, volunteers can register at lakelanier.org.
