Norris Lake Project Team wins 2020 ‘Ripple Effect Award’
Pictured from left are: Julie Graham, co-chair and Middle East Tennessee Tourism Coun- cil director; Stephanie Wells, co-chair and Adventure Anderson County director; Glennis Monday, Campbell County Litter Grant officer; Keith Montgomery, Big Ridge State Park manager; and Veronica Greear, Norris Dam State Park manager.
The award recognizes individuals and groups that have made conservation efforts within the Tennessee River Valley.
The Norris Lake Project started in 2009 as a group of concerned citizens meeting to discuss conservation and sustainability issues relating to the Norris Lake Watershed.
Over the past five years, the team has conducted twice-a-year cleanups on Norris Lake, collecting more than 270,000 pounds of trash and debris.
In 2020, the team conducted two cleanups and collected 44,506 pounds of garbage with the help of 134 volunteers.
Even during a pandemic and following all CDC recommendations, the team was able to work 660 volunteer hours to remove debris from Norris Lake and its shorelines.
The Norris Lake Project Team is composed of organizations and volunteers including Adventure Anderson County, Anderson County Litter Grant, Campbell County Chamber, Campbell County Litter Grant, Union County Chamber, Keep Union County Beautiful, Claiborne County Litter Grant, Norris Lake Marina Association, Norris Dam State Park, Big Ridge State Park, Cove Lake State Park and the Tennessee Valley Authority.
In addition, there have been 1,273 volunteers who have participated in a cleanup, and many of the volunteers join in year after year.
If you are interested in volunteering with the team, visit norrislakeproject.com for more information.