The vast shoreline of Lake Fontana gets cleaned up each November by area volunteers when the lake levels draw low, and park staff and volunteers tidy campsites on the Great Smoky Mountains National Park side of the lake. But the many verdant campsites that dot the islands and peninsulas are left to deteriorate with strewn litter.

After witnessing the trash firsthand during a June canoe trip, leaders with Outdoor Mission Community decided to do something about it. The TVA fulfilled a grant request from the organization, funding four pontoon boat rentals and lunches for volunteers on cleanup days Aug. 10 and Oct. 16. TVA also provided trash bags, gloves and grabbers. 

During the cleanup, volunteers received an education in Leave No Trace principles — in addition to picking up trash, they learned to make a plan for their outdoor activities, stay on durable surfaces rather than taking shortcuts, respect wildlife, leave natural objects behind, dispose of waste properly, minimize campfire impacts and be considerate of others. 

When trucks and trailers filled to the brim with trash departed, the campsites looked inviting and volunteers said, “let’s do this again!” To help the effort, visit outdoormissioncommunity.org or contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 336.583.9932.