Sunny Skies Might Fade, but Community Spirit Shines Bright in the Midlands

Sunny Skies Might Fade, but Community Spirit Shines Bright in the Midlands

Hey there, folks! If you woke up in the gorgeous Midlands this morning, you might have noticed some partly cloudy skies greeting you. But don’t let that fool you; things are expected to change as we head into the afternoon with some more clouds rolling in. Grab some sunscreen, though, because it’s going to be a hot one as the temperature climbs to around 91°F. Winds will be light at about 5 to 10 mph from the south-southwest, so it’s a good day to enjoy outdoor activities before the skies potentially throw in a few stray showers or thunderstorms later.

Evening Thunderstorms Await!

As the day winds down, don’t be surprised if you hear some rumbles in the sky. Scattered thunderstorms are predicted for the evening, but don’t worry! Overnight, we’ll return to mostly partly cloudy skies with temperatures dropping to a comfortable 73°F. The chance of rain in the evening sits at about 40%, so keep an umbrella nearby just in case!

Join the Fight Against Litter in Our Beautiful Midlands!

Keep the Midlands Beautiful is gearing up for their sixth annual Lake and Rivers Cleanup! This event is set for Saturday, September 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and they need your help!

What’s involved, you ask? Well, if you’re keen to roll up your sleeves and make a difference, volunteers will be cleaning up litter in Lexington and Richland counties—including stunning sites around Lake Murray. You’ll get to pick up trash from islands, shorelines, boat ramps, roads, and other natural areas. There’s even a chance for certified divers to join in with support from the Wateree Dive Center. How cool is that?

How to Get Involved

Thinking about joining the fun? The registration deadline is coming up soon on Friday, September 6. If you have your own boat, you can set sail for the islands and shorelines after grabbing your cleanup supplies. No boat? No worries! Several local Lake Murray charter and rental companies will be offering free shuttle services to registered volunteers heading to various islands.

If you’d prefer to stay land-bound, you can help clean the shorelines, boat ramps, and nearby roads. If you’re super passionate and fancy getting into the water, don’t forget to look into opportunities with the divers! And for those focused on cleaning the rivers, you can also scoop up supplies from the KMB office and volunteer on your schedule, still earning credit for the event!

Event Details You Shouldn’t Miss!

Check-in for those participating around Lake Murray kicks off at 8:30 a.m. at three different spots:

• Southshore Marina in Leesville
• Catfish Johnny’s-Rusty Anchor Restaurants in Chapin
• Dreher Island State Park in Prosperity

It’s not just about cleaning. You’ll also get to hear safety briefings, grab maps, cleanup supplies, and some swag like an event t-shirt and a special thank-you gift! Plus, local businesses will be throwing in some prizes, making it a fun community event!

Why It Matters

Traude Sander, the head honcho over at Keep the Midlands Beautiful, emphasizes just how lucky we are to have Lake Murray right here in our backyard. “We must do everything we can to protect this amazing resource so that we can all enjoy it, safely, now and for many years to come,” she says.

While this annual cleanup is a fantastic way to give back, KMB also relies on smaller groups to keep nearly 100 waterways in our region clean year-round. If you’re part of a volunteer group, consider joining their Adopt-a-Waterway program. It’s a great way to get recognized for committing to clean a section of waterway at least twice a year for two years!

Ready to make a difference while having a great time? Mark your calendars, grab those friends and family, and let’s keep our Midlands sparkling clean!