N.C. Cooperative Extension-McDowell County Center’s Keep McDowell Beautiful program will be coordinating the annual Lake James clean up on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 8 a.m. to noon. Dumpsters will be placed at the Black Bear and Hidden Cove boat ramps. There will be volunteers available to help unload from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m. Register Here.
I'll have supplies available the week ahead of time at my office at 60 E. Court St. or you can make other arrangements if necessary. We want to make it easy for volunteer boat captains to participate in the event. I will be at Black Bear Boat Ramp the morning of the event, and a 2nd dumpster will be at Hidden Cove.
Thanks for all your hard work cleaning up trash and coordinating volunteers around Lake James.
Macroinvertebrate Sampling and Habitat Assessments - June
Summer 2026 macroinvertebrate sampling and riparian habitat assessments will begin in mid-June. We plan to complete 10-12 sites in 4 to 6 sampling days. If you are interesting in helping, please email: [email protected]. In your email please note if you have been through habitat assessment training.
Serve on a Standing Committee
LJEA has four standing committees: Advocacy, Community Engagement, Community Science, and Education. If you are interesting in helping LJEA fulfill its mission of protecting and enhancing the long-term environmental health and natural beauty of Lake James and its watershed, please email: [email protected].
Help with Kids-In-The-Creek Site Repairs
Hurricane Helene damaged our Kids-In-The-Creek educational sites. In June, volunteers will be needed to assist with repairs to one of the sites. The date is to be determined (likely a Saturday) and the work should be completed within 4 to 5 hours. We need a small Bobcat with a bucket and operator, and 6 to 8 people willing to use shovels and rakes, spread grass seed, and plant bushes. If you can lend a hand please email [email protected].and let us know dates and times that you are available.