2025 Spring FOLE Lake Clean Up Summary

Over 75 volunteers gathered to support the 20th Annual Lake Eufaula Clean Up, organized by Friends of Lake Eufaula (FOLE). The two-day event brought together community members and local organizations committed to preserving the beauty of Lake Eufaula.

On Friday, March 28th, Alabama Power Company, in coordination with the US Coast Guard, US Army Corps of Engineers, and FOLE members, worked to retrieve 17 loose dock floats that had washed ashore along the lake.

Saturday morning saw over 40 volunteers assembling at the US Coast Guard Station Eufaula, with an additional 35 volunteers launching their cleanup efforts from Thomas Mill Creek.

FOLE President Brad Moore expressed his gratitude, noting,

By the end of the day, approximately three tons of trash were removed from the shoreline. While this accomplishment is notable, it serves as a reminder that still left are millions of tons of litter and plastic debris that our pollute waterways and endanger aquatic ecosystems and wildlife.

Participating groups included the 4-H Club, Alabama Power Service Organization, TowBoatUS, Eufaula Water Works, St James Episcopal Church, Chattahoochee River Conservancy, Elite Sonar, Eufaula VFW Post, the Alabama Marine Police, and numerous individuals. After a productive morning of collecting debris, volunteers enjoyed a well-deserved Phil’s B-B-Q lunch. To commemorate their efforts, each volunteer received a T-shirt featuring a jumping catfish design by 6th grade Boys & Girls Club member, Paris A. Ford.

Adding a bit of light-hearted fun, the Dunegan family earned the “Most Unusual Piece of Trash” award with their eclectic finds, which included a waterlogged Toy Story ‘Woody’ doll, a blue heron skull, and a ‘Chill’ pillow.

FOLE extends heartfelt thanks to all volunteers and co-sponsors, including Alabama Power Company, the US Coast Guard, and the US Army Corps of Engineers. The success of this event underscores the power of community collaboration in protecting and preserving Lake Eufaula for future generations.

Do you want to help us preserve the beauty of Lake Eufaula for future generations? Then join FOLE today! As a member, you can help us with fundraising, advocating for the lake's conservation, participating in fun exclusive events, and helping with our lake cleanups.