The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, along with the Lake Hartwell Association, announced the 28th annual Hartwell Cleanup Campaign, which begins Aug.15 and concludes Sept. 27, National Public Lands Day.

Volunteers from scout groups, civic clubs, subdivision residents, businesses, as well as families and friends are needed to pick up litter and other non-natural debris on and around Hartwell Lake. Anyone interested in volunteering may obtain sign-up forms at www.sas.usace.army.mil/lakes/hartwell or by visiting or calling the Hartwell Lake Office at 888-893-0678, ext. 323. Upon registering, volunteers will receive more detailed information including safety tips and litter collection areas. Trash bags are provided. All registered participants will be invited to the “Volunteer Appreciation” picnic on Sept. 27 to enjoy music, activities for children, food, and door prizes.

The Cleanup Campaign is coordinated by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Hartwell Lake Office, and the Lake Hartwell Association, a non-profit organization that promotes cooperation, assistance and information exchange among those concerned with Lake Hartwell.“The annual lake cleanup provides a chance for people who care about Hartwell Lake to roll up their sleeves and give something back to the very lands and water they use and appreciate,” said Tanya Grant, Hartwell Lake Park Ranger and co-coordinator of the annual Hartwell Lake Clean-Up Campaign. “Our forests, waters, and parks of Hartwell Lake are a national treasure and keeping them clean means keeping them safe and attractive for people, aquatic life, and wildlife.”

The Hartwell Lake Cleanup Campaign began 27 years ago and is now included in National Public Lands Day. National Public Lands Day, a nationwide program, coordinated by the National Environmental Education and Training Foundation (NEETF), began with the idea that millions of Americans who use public lands each year – federal, state and local – could spend a day giving back to the land and their country. The cleanup is also part of Georgia’s statewide “Rivers Alive” program and South Carolina’s statewide “Beach Sweep River Sweep” program. For more information contact the Hartwell Lake Office at 706-856-0300, or toll-free at 888-893-0678, ext. 323.