N.C. Cooperative Extension-McDowell County Center’s Keep McDowell Beautiful program will be coordinating the annual Lake James clean up on Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 8 a.m. to noon. Volunteers with boats, canoes, and paddling kayaks will be needed to help. Volunteer are also needed to help unload boats full of trash.

After you complete your online registration, we will contact you through email with a link to our virtual boat captains meeting. If you are unable to attend the meeting, we can make arrangements for you to receive the safety and planning information from the meeting. Dumpsters will be placed at Black Bear Boat Ramp. There will be volunteers available to help unload from 8am until 12pm. The dumpsters will be removed at 12pm. Supplies will NOT be available the day of the event. To arrange for pick up of supplies ahead of the event please contact Matt Burneisen. N.C. Cooperative Extension, McDowell County Center, Keep McDowell Beautiful – Matt_Burneisen@ncsu.edu or (828) 652-8104. Supplies include trash bags, trash grabbers, & tarps for boats.