CleanJordanLake

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About us

Clean Jordan Lake is a 501(c)(3) grassroots nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring the natural habitat, beautifying the shoreline and protecting water quality by removal of trash and litter. Stormwater flows carry large and small trash items from feeder streams into the lake. These deposit on the shoreline of remote coves, for example, along the Haw River Arm of the lake. Litter generated by shoreline recreational use is another huge problem. Although far less in volume than trash from stormwater, litter is more directly in the public eye and pervasive: clean it up and within a month it reappears! Since incorporation in July 2009, 5.300 volunteers have participated. They have removed 4,300 tires and 13,000 bags (that's 130 tons!) of trash and litter in 305 events, including those in our Adopt-A-Shoreline and Adopt-A-Feeder Stream Programs. About 15 miles of shoreline have been cleaned with another 10 miles of critical sections to go.

Details of general public cleanup events are posted on this web site. Groups may schedule their own cleanups or participate in our new Adopt-A-Shoreline program. Visit our website cleanjordanlake.org.

Upcoming events

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2026 Annual Spring Cleanup- part of Creek Week!
Sat, Mar 14 · 8:30 AM EDT
TBD - Stay tuned!, TBD, NC, US
Clean Jordan Lake is joining a group of local organizations hosting cleanup events as part of Creek Week activities, including the Chatham County, Orange County, and Keep Durham Beautiful. We hope you'll join us!

WHAT WE WILL DO
After a safety briefing, volunteers will be given gloves, trash bags, and grabbers, and divided into groups. CJL track captains will lead each group along a trail to reach the cleanup area and their assigned cleanup tracks. We will fill trash bags and bring them to the shoreline for pickup by boaters. Around 11:30 the captains will lead their groups back to the registration area.

WHERE TO MEET
Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to park, register and enjoy coffee and treats!
The area we'll be cleaning is still TBD, and will be announced as soon as possible.

ASSIGNMENTS
WALKERS: You will be divided into four groups at registration.

BOATERS: Boaters are needed to ferry some volunteers to their cleanup track and back, and also to help haul trash back to the dumpster at the Corps Bulkhead. Boaters only wishing to ferry volunteers are welcome.
We will loan 2-way radios to boaters for communication.

KAYAKERS: Come to Registration Table at 8:45am to receive assignments from CJL leaders.

LIABILITY WAIVER FORMS
All participants must sign a liability waiver form. Waiver forms for Adults and Minors (age 11-18) must be submitted online:
- Adult Waiver: https://www.cleanjordanlake.org/volunteer-waiver
- Minor Waiver (ages 11 to 18): https://www.cleanjordanlake.org/minor-waiver
IMPORTANT: Participation by minors requires signature of guardian or parent and minors under the age of 16 MUST be accompanied by an adult.

AGE RESTRICTION
Due to potential hazards, we are not able to allow children under the age of 11 to participate. Children over the age of 11 and under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

WHAT WE PROVIDE
• Port-A-Toilets at Registration Area
• Shoreline Track Captains to lead volunteers
• Bags, gloves, trash grabbers, first-aid kits, bug spray, and large on-site water containers
• Pontoon boat and operator courtesy of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
• Coffee & treats to start the morning

TRASH TREASURE HUNT
We continue our tradition of offering a Trash Treasure Hunt. Items marked by "CJL TTH" are shown to track captain who will issue a CJL business card redeemable for merchandise prize at registration table.

COME PREPARED TO WORK
Workers are required to wear closed-toe shoes and work gloves (we provide these or bring your own.) Dress appropriately for the weather.

Due to the hazards found in the woods, including poison ivy, briars, biting and stinging insects, we strongly recommend you wear long pants, long-sleeve shirt and a hat.

RAIN DATE
Sunday, March 15th 12:30 pm - 4:00 pm
The cleanup occurs rain or shine. In the event of extreme weather conditions, we will notify all participants signed up by Friday night.

What Volunteers Have Done
Since 2009, we have held over 1000 cleanup events, large and small, and have attracted more than 12,000 volunteers to our cause. By far, the largest turnouts are for our Fall and Spring cleanups that are open to the general public. Over the years volunteers like you have cleaned up over 24,000 bags of trash (about 240 tons!) and 5400 tires. Thank you!
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