The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Vicksburg District and Mugshots of Oxford are partnering to clean up one of the area’s most prominent lakes: Sardis.

On, Sept. 16 you can also help out with their efforts. Sign-ups will take place beginning at 7 a.m. in the parking lot at the end of Old Sardis Road. The official clean-up will begin at 8 a.m. and run until 12 p.m. All cleanup supplies will be handed out by the Corps.

This will be the 41st year that this event has taken place. In 2016, 75 volunteers came out to assist the effort. Over two tons of trash was removed from the site.

Shirley Smith, the Corps’ Public Affairs Specialist, says that the engineers seek to “protect and preserve the resources to provide a healthy and sustainable environment for our generation and future generations.”

“Natural resource management at Sardis Lake is promoted through a variety of techniques and special events such as the Clean-Up Day,” she added. “As stewards of the lands and waters at Sardis Lake, the Corps practices and promotes environmental stewardship for quality outdoor recreational experiences and the maintenance of natural and cultural resources.”

Brian Johnson, the supervisory natural resource specialist at Sardis Lake, is also grateful for any help that locals provide.

“We look forward to seeing area students from schools and universities participate as in years past, and hopefully the number of participants will double from last year,” he said. “Mugshots of Oxford are willing participants who are always eager to assist with the beautification of Sardis Lake.”

For more information on the event, contact Houston Hartley at (662) 712-1157.