Patoka Lake was swarming with activity near Hoosier Hills Marina on Saturday, August 26. Registration was set to begin at 8a.m. but excited volunteers were flooding into the marina parking lot by 7:30a.m. In total, the cleanup effort was tasked by 162 dedicated volunteers. Those in attendance were from high school FFA, Beta clubs, Key Clubs, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, local business owners, and loyal visitors of the lake. Volunteers were assigned to trash and recycle containers to collect debris at boat ramps, shorelines and along the roadways that pass directly along this integral water way. The amount of trash collected weighed in at 1,620 pounds. Recyclable materials weighed in at 226 pounds with 150 of those pounds being aluminum. Three tires were collected along with one pound of batteries. The lake looks phenomenal after this past weekend.
The Patoka Lake Cleanup Committee is grateful for the generosity displayed by local businesses that chose to donate monetarily to support the needs of the event and also those that were given by means of prize donations for the volunteers. Everyone in attendance was treated to a free fish fry luncheon with live music and prize drawings. They also went home with a 100% recycled material goodie bag stuffed full of fishing equipment, re-usable water bottles, recycled notebooks and much more!
The Cleanup Committee wants to send out a huge thank you to all of those who supported this annual effort. Your assistance allows us to provide clean drinking water to 11 counties in Southern Indiana, a safe living environment for area wildlife and a pristine view of an uncluttered lake. For all of your support, dedication and future consideration of this event we are grateful!
