More than 24 tons of debris was collected from in and around Smith Mountain Lake during lake cleanup days in May. The organized kick off event took place on May 2 and efforts continued throughout the month by various community groups.
In all, more than 450 people participated in lake cleanup days, covering more than 49 miles. Tri-County Lakes Administrative Commission (TLAC), a co-sponsor of the event, recorded 24.52 tons of trash and debris collected in dumpsters and trash bags. The most unusual items collected this year included a boxing glove, a drone, and a 16-foot pylon.
“Maintaining the beauty and safety of Smith Mountain Lake is a shared responsibility, and events like Take Pride in SML show just how much this community cares,” said SMLRCC Executive Director Andy Bruns. “We’re incredibly appreciative of the volunteers, neighborhood groups and sponsors who come together each year to make a real difference.”
Several local civic organizations and businesses formed clean up teams for this year’s event. American Legion Post 62, Donald B. Jones and Son, Keller Williams Realty, Ridgeview Bank, Rocky Mount Rotary, SML Civitan Club, SML Lion’s Club, SML Fireboats, SML Rotary, SML Sail and Power Squadron, VFW Post 873, and US Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 81 all participated.
Community and neighborhood group efforts took place at Harbor Village, Indian Point, Isle of Pines, Lands End, Pleasure Point, The Cottages, The Meadows, Walnut Run, Long Island Estates, and Runk & Pratt.
The cleanup is a collaborative effort of the Smith Mountain Lake Association, TLAC and the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce—a partnership that has united the community around stewardship for nearly four decades. Through sponsorships and donations the organizations are able to provide free cleanup supplies as well as a thank you dinner to all volunteers.
Sponsors for 2026 clean up days were:
- DIAMOND: Appalachian Power
- PLATINUM: Western Virginia Water Authority
- GOLD: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Smith Mountain Lake Real Estate, Capps Home Building Center, Donald B. Jones & Son, Glenda & Steven McDanieI, Long & Foster Real Estate, WyndRose Boutique and Turner’s Dock Building, LLC
Like-kind donations were provided by Bays Trash Removal, Bedford County Landfill, Bridgewater Marina, D&S Byrd LLC, Firefighter Dumpsters, Franklin County Container, Franklin County Landfill, Joe and Kyle Hicks, Gills Creek Marina, Jim McKelvey, Kurtz Digital Strategy, Magnum Point Marina, Mitchell’s Point Marina, Penhook Minute Market, Pleasure Point POA, Smith Mountain Eagle, VDOT, and Westlake Waterfront Inn.
The 2026 Take Pride in Smith Mountain Lake clean-up event was an opportunity for community members to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the lake. The event was also the largest clean up event registered with the Keep Virginia Beautiful Greatest Virginia Greenup 2026.
The complete cleanup report can be accessed at TakePrideSML.com or at the TLAC office, which is located on the upper level of The Plaza, 400 Scruggs Road, Suite 200 in Moneta.
