What: Lake James Clean Up Fall 2025
When: Saturday October 4th, 9am-12pm
Where: Boats can launch from any dock. Dumpster Located at Black Bear Boat Ramp.
Why: To remove litter and trash from the lake
Who: Adults with boats, groups, organizations, clubs
How do to sign up: Register online
The N.C. Cooperative Extension-McDowell County Center "Keep McDowell Beautiful" program will be coordinating the annual Lake James clean-up on Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 9 a.m. to noon. We would like to invite everyone to remove litter from Lake James and its shoreline. We will distribute supplies ahead of time so you can launch from your home dock, and bring us the trash. Contact Matt_Burneisen@ncsu.edu or (828) 65208104 to schedule supply pickup.
During the 2024 Lake James clean-up event, volunteers from the Lake James Environmental Association, Marion Moose Lodge #1705, NC Wildlife Federation, residents of the Arbor on Lake James, and many others showed their commitment to beautifying their community by removing trash. For the fall clean-up, we will be partnering with the Catawba Riverkeeper's Catawba Riversweep. Volunteers with boats, canoes, paddling kayaks, and on foot will be needed to help. Online Registration is required.
WHAT TO BRING/WEAR: Due to the nature of river cleanups, please be prepared to get dirty and/or wet regardless of the volunteer position you signed up for.
- Closed toe shoes are required. Please wear shoes you don’t mind getting dirty. (We DO NOT recommend Crocs.)
- Please wear clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty and possibly wet.
- A full water bottle.
- Sunscreen and/or bug spray is recommended.
- Day pack to hold your personal belongings (optional).
- Change of clothes and towel (optional but highly recommended).
- WHAT IS PROVIDED: All clean up materials - trash grabbers, gloves, and trash bags.
- Tarps will be provided for boat captains to protect their boats from the trash being collected.
If you have questions or to pick up supplies early please contact Matt Burneisen, N.C. Cooperative Extension-McDowell County Center, Keep McDowell Beautiful – Matt_Burneisen@ncsu.edu or (828) 652-8104.
