HOBBS STATE PARK (KFSM) -- More than fifty volunteers came out Saturday (July 9) for the third annual lakes appreciation month cleanup at Hobbs State Park. People walked the shoreline of Beaver Lake, took boats out. Others like Aaron Legg and his wife kayaked about a mile down the shoreline while enjoying nature. He said they came because they wanted to give back.
“Hobbs state park does a lot of great things for the Northwest Arkansas area and the community and beaver lake and I just wanted to come out and have a little date, my wife and I and help pick up trash and do something good,” said Aaron Legg.
Anne Marie Adair said she loves coming to Hobbs so she wants to make sure it’s` beautiful for everyone else too.
“If we just all do it a little bit every time we are out and about and make sure that we don`t leave everything behind, it will make a huge world of difference. Just being constantly diligent and leaving it how you want it when you find it,” said Anne Marie Adair.
Hobb`s State Park staff said people often forget that the water they are swimming and boating in is also there drinking water.
“We`re really encouraging people to get out and enjoy the natural resources while doing their part to take care of our water quality. We really want to remind people how fortunate we are to have access to clean drinking water,” said Rebekah Penny.
Legg said he and his wife will be making this annual cleanup a tradition.
"We have two beautiful daughters and I know there are a lot of other people out here who have kids and we want to keep the state clean for them to enjoy later on with their kids,” said Legg.
Volunteers recycled as much of the trash they could but due to degradation from being in the water so long, some of it had to be thrown away.
The park will also have kayak and snorkeling tours as part of lakes appreciation month.