An Annual Event

Join Big Sweep and help rid our shores of trash like this.

Clear And Clean Catawba, by Alice Battle – Sept. 21, 2012

The summer is over and all that remains is the remnants and memories of fun days on the lake.  Unfortunately, some of the memories return when the items left behind mar the landscape. Glass bottles, dirty diapers, plastic bags, drink can holders, etc. not only are an eyesore, but they are environmental hazards.

Once a year the volunteers from the community meet on a Saturday to remove the trash from the area.  This year there are two dates, so if you are busy one day, there is another opportunity to pitch in.

Mecklenburg County has elected to sponsor Big Sweep for both Mountain Island Lake and Lake Wylie on Saturday, Sept. 29, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. On Mountain Island Lake, volunteers will meet at Latta Plantation Nature Preserve (CLICK for map and directions).  
For sites on Lake Wylie, visit lakewylieriversweep.com. There is a list of 13 meeting sites plus other important information. The Mecklenburg locations meet on Saturday, September 29^th.

The other counties are conducting Big Sweep on Saturday, October 6^th, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. On Mountain Island Lake, the Gaston County site for meeting is the Riverbend Access area off Highway 16 (CLICK for map and directions). The sites for other counties on Lake Wylie are listed at the above website.

Appropriate clothing should be worn, as you may be exposed to hazards such as broken glass, sharp metal, insects, mud and water.  Gloves and trash bags along with drinks and snacks will be provided.

For the Riverbend site, contact Roger.caldwell@duke-energy.com, cell: 704-400-3857.

About Alice Battle – Alice lives on Mountain Island Lake has served on numerous groups devoted to protecting the lake, including the Duke Energy Relicensing stakeholders group. She currently is Lakekeeper for the Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation.