On Saturday, September 26, 2015, more than 175,000 volunteers are expected to join together in communities all over the United States in celebration of National Public Lands Day. Launched in 1994 to foster a collective responsibility for the stewardship of our public lands, it has grown from just three sites at its inception to become the nation’s largest, single-day volunteer effort on behalf of public lands, encompassing more than 2,100 sites in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Here in Georgia, Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful plans to combine two very special events into one in order to make an impact on our public lands here at home. In addition to being National Public Lands Day, September 26 also marks the 27^th Annual Lake Lanier Shore Sweep here in Gwinnett.

To commemorate both events, Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful will partner with the Lake Lanier Association at Gwinnett Park on Buford Dam Road to sweep the shores of Lake Lanier for litter and recyclables. We hope you will join us in making a positive impact on one of our state’s greatest treasures. For those who wish to take part, volunteers should report to Gwinnett Park at 8 a.m. to pick up trash bags and receive their shoreline litter pickup assignment. As thanks for participating in the Shore Sweep, all volunteers who turn in at least one full bag of trash will receive a T-shirt by the conclusion of the event at 1 p.m. For safety reasons, volunteers must be 10 or older, and anyone under the age of 16 will need to be accompanied by an adult. All participants are required to wear close-toed shoes, long pants, and clothing that they will not mind getting wet and dirty. Gloves, trash bags, water and snacks will be provided.

In 2014, National Public Lands Day volunteers all across the nation were able to:

• Collect an estimated 23,000 pounds of invasive plants
• Build and maintain an estimated 1,500 miles of trails
• Plant an estimated 100,000 trees, shrubs and other native plants
• Remove an estimated 500 tons of trash from trails and other places
• Contribute an estimated $18 million through volunteer services to improve public lands across the country

We can hardly wait to see the results of our own efforts here in Gwinnett on Saturday, September 26!!

Can’t make it out for the Shore Sweep, but really want to show your eco-centric spirit? Be sure to mark your calendar for Great Days of Service – Beaver Ruin Watershed Initiative on October 24!!