February 13, 2024
LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. – Grab your boots and gloves for the annual Community Lake Cleanup set for 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, at Lake Junaluska. The cleanup will focus on clearing debris that has collected along the shorelines and entrance roadways at Lake Junaluska.
Volunteers should dress accordingly for the weather and potentially muddy conditions. All work will be done outside, rain or shine.
To participate, meet outside Stuart Auditorium by 9 a.m. to sign in and receive instructions and supplies. Cleanup organizers will provide water and light snacks for volunteers, as well as equipment such as garbage bags, litter pick-up sticks and gloves. Helpers may also bring their own gloves and litter pick-up sticks.
Lake Junaluska’s grounds and gardens are open to the public, making the Community Lake Cleanup a great opportunity for all who walk the lakeside trail or fish along the banks to connect with each other and help keep the lake clean.
The event is organized by The Junaluskans, who work in conjunction with Lake Junaluska staff and in partnership with Haywood County and Haywood Waterways to host the event. The Junaluskans are a volunteer organization of Lake Junaluska residents and other persons who love Lake Junaluska. Haywood Waterways is a nonprofit organization dedicated to maintaining and improving water quality in the Pigeon River Watershed of Haywood County. Haywood Waterways will have representatives on-site to help coordinate the cleanup.
“The cleanup is for the health and beauty of Lake Junaluska and to provide safe recreation for all,” said Steve Crites, Community Lake Cleanup Project coordinator with The Junaluskans.
Also this year, the cleanup effort will be expanded to include the Waynesville Greenway section near Highway 74 along Richland Creek, provided enough volunteers are available, according to Crites.
Volunteers of all ages are welcome, but adult chaperones should accompany youth. Leaders from groups such as scout troops, churches, youth groups and civic organizations who are interested in helping with this community service work are encouraged to notify event organizers in advance by sending an email to [email protected].
All volunteers are encouraged to complete the liability waiver before they arrive.
To learn about volunteer opportunities at Lake Junaluska or complete a volunteer interest form, visit our volunteer opportunities page.
Lake Junaluska is a place of Christian hospitality where lives are transformed through renewal of soul, mind and body.
For more information about Lake Junaluska, visit lakejunaluska.com.
When silt removal, dredging and maintenance are needed, typically every few years, a lake drawdown begins in late December with the lake restored to full pool by Easter.
