Save the Date for 2 Lake James Clean Up Events in the spring of 2026.
Saturday March 14, 2026: Online Registration
The event in March will be cleaning the entire lake. Volunteers will meet at Lake James State Park (PADDY CREEK AREA at 8:30 am for group assignments. Groups will be picking up trash by boats on the shoreline and islands, and walking along N. Powerhouse Rd., Benfield Landing Rd & Hwy 126. Area High School students will be participating for class credits. Lunch will be provided at the State Park beginning at 1 pm. Volunteers should contact Howard Morgan (828-438-7003) or Jerry Fantry (828-639-4046).
Saturday May 2, 2026: Online Registration
N.C. Cooperative Extension-McDowell County Center’s Keep McDowell Beautiful program will be coordinating the annual Lake James clean up on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 8 a.m. to noon. A Dumpster will be placed at Black Bear Boat Ramp. There will be volunteers available to help unload from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m. The dumpsters will be removed at 12 p.m. 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.
