H2Ozarks Announces 26th Annual Missouri Shoreline Cleanup, September 25-27

[Kimberling City, Missouri] — H2Ozarks invites the community to join its 26th Annual Missouri Shoreline Cleanup, a volunteer-led effort to remove litter and debris from lakes across southwestern Missouri. This year's cleanup takes place Friday, September 25 through Sunday, September 27, 2026.

The event began in 2000 with just 50 volunteers but has grown into a beloved tradition that brings together hundreds of residents, students, businesses, and community groups every year. Volunteers will receive trash bags, gloves, and an event t-shirt courtesy of H2Ozarks and local business sponsors.

“We're excited to invite everyone to our biggest event of the year,” said Carin Love, President and CEO of H2Ozarks. “Our lakes are vital resources that provide us with drinking water, hydropower, scenic beauty, and outdoor recreation. They are the life blood to our communities in southwestern Missouri! We welcome everyone to join us and do their part to protect these resources for future generations.”

Over the past 26 years, volunteers have removed over 300 tons of trash and 2,500 tires from the shorelines of Table Rock Lake, Lake Taneycomo, and Bull Shoals Lake. Trash and debris left along the shoreline can wash into the water, harm fish and wildlife, and diminish the recreational and economic value of regional waterbodies. The Shoreline Cleanup gives individuals, families, students, and businesses a simple, hands-on way to protect the lakes they use and enjoy, while connecting with neighbors working toward the same goal.

Event Details:

Friday, September 25 – Sunday, September 27, 2026 Volunteers can sign up themselves or a team for a cleanup site along Table Rock Lake, Lake Taneycomo, or Bull Shoals Lake. Cleanup supplies like gloves and trash bags will be provided. Registration is free, and all volunteers receive an event t-shirt.

Cleanup Supply Pickup:

Volunteers can pick up supplies (gloves/trash bags) from 8:30 am - 4:00 pm Monday - Friday at the H2Ozarks office (11 Oak Drive, Kimberling City, MO 65686). Please call ahead (417-739-5001) or send an email to cleanup@h2ozarks.org to have your supplies ready for pick up.

For volunteers on Lake Taneycomo, there will be two locations set up on Saturday, September 26 from 8:00 am - 12:00 pm to pick up supplies and clean the immediate areas. The Taneycomo locations on September 26 are:

- Branson RV Park - 300 Boxcar Willie Dr., Branson MO 65616

- Empire Park - State Hwy Y, Forsyth, MO 65653

Sponsorships Available! Local businesses are encouraged to get involved via sponsorship opportunities that support volunteer efforts and promote long-term water quality. H2Ozarks thanks Liberty Utilities for being their Event Sponsor, a significant contribution that supports this event every year. To volunteer or sponsor the event, visit: h2ozarks.org/event/missouri-annual-shoreline-cleanup-2026 Or email: cleanup@h2ozarks.org

About H2Ozarks

H2Ozarks is a nonprofit organization protecting water quality in the Ozarks of Arkansas and Missouri. Since 2001, our mission has been to foster community action through education, outreach, research, and public policy. Our work empowers long-term water quality improvements through public engagement and science-based strategies.