It all started with a group of Leadership Columbia students in 1989 who simply wanted to keep the Midlands beautiful. That’s how Keep the Midlands Beautiful began its mission of litter prevention, recycling and beatification. There have been an array of events in the intervening years, including an annual event that returns next month bringing together businesses and the community to clean up around Lake Murray.

On Sept. 16 from 8:30 a.m. until noon, the third annual Lakeside Litter Sweep takes place along the shores and on the lake to sweep up trash and keep the jewel of the state clean. 

“It’s a lot of fun and everyone has a great time,” said Laura Blake-Orr, core programs administrator for Keep the Midlands Beautiful, the local nonprofit tasked with doing exactly what its name says.. “Last year the numbers were about the same as the year before. In 2022, we picked up 6,000 pounds [of trash].”

There are many purposes for the litter cleanup. There is much more litter around the lake that piles up due to higher use during the summer, according to Blake-Orr. She also pointed out that it’s important to keep the wildlife around the lake healthy.

It’s also an avenue to highlight the Adopt-a-Waterway program.

The program, managed by the nonprofit and sponsored by Dominion Energy, offers groups volunteer opportunities to address water-based litter issues in both Richland and Lexington counties. Interested groups can commit to helping clean up an area on an island or boat ramp a minimum of two times a year for two years.

Dominion, along with the state’s Palmetto Pride initiative, are two of the main sponsors for the Lakeside Litter Sweep.

Blake-Orr said there are a host of other community partners, including the state Department of Natural Resources and Lexington County’s trash management services. 

The Midlands chapter is also partnering up with Keep Newberry County Beautiful, as the Newberry County chapter is helping with one of the sites.

The volunteer event is free, and each volunteer will receive lunch and a T-shirt.

Blake-Orr emphasized there will be fun sprinkled in, with prizes given in a variety of categories, including prizes for the oldest and youngest participants.

“The businesses in the community around the lake have been very generous,” she said. “Last year, we gave out around $2,000 in prizes.”

The organization provides all the necessary supplies, Blake-Orr added. 

Volunteers are loaned gloves, litter grabbers, bags for land or water. All trash will go into one of the Lexington County trash receptacles.

All ages are allowed to volunteer, though minors will need parental consent.

“Families can help teach about environmental responsibility,” Blake-Orr said. 

Preregistration is required for the Lakeside Litter Sweep, with free boat rides available. The event is also encouraging certified divers to lend their skills. 

There will be three check-in locations for the event — at Southshore Marina in Leesville, Rusty Anchor in Chapin and Dreher Island State Park in Prosperity. Find more info at keepthemidlandsbeautiful.org.