Picking up litter at Lake Norrell are (left to right) Jamie Rossini, Jaxon Ray, Josh Summerville, Will Ray, Heather Wood and Evan Ray.
A group of local residents were tired of people leaving trash behind at Lake Norrell, so they got up early on Saturday and did something about it.
Heather Wood of Benton contacted us on Friday after seeing a comment on the MySaline Facebook page about trash in the lake’s recreation area. Many locals call it “Party Point,” but when the party is done, many of them leave their trash behind. Heather said she and a few others wanted to go clean it up, and they were looking for people to help.
Wood’s boyfriend, Will Ray is a Benton Parks & Recreation employee who is passionate about keeping public areas clean. “[Lake Norrell] is a hot spot for people to come and enjoy the natural beauty of Arkansas,” said Will. “Most people who visit are responsible with their solid waste, but there are some who are not as responsible, and it’s not fair to those who are.”
Will, Heather and others picked up several bags worth of trash on Saturday morning at Lake Norrell. If you are looking for an opportunity to do your part, you don’t have to wait for someone else to lead the effort. There are two things you can do.
- Gather your own crew to do some cleaning. If it’s a public space, you’re allowed to be there, whether it’s to clean or to play or both.
- If you’re going for play, bring a bag with you for your own trash and to pick up litter you see along the way. Keep the bag handy in your car. Speaking of which…
HEY HOW ABOUT A BONUS CONTEST?! Keep Reading:
A company called Rock Squatch Designs, owned by a Benton resident, is giving away some awesome mesh litter bags to readers! Enter the contest to get one. Details below…
Steve Ashley (right) owns Rock Squatch Designs. Also pictured is his son Will Ashley. Click on this picture to go directly to the page to shop for these trash bags, or visit www.rocksquatchdesigns.com. You can also follow them on Instagram at @rocksquatchdesigns.
Did I mention that these bags are larger than I thought? These babies are 24 by 20 inches – enough for kind of a lot of trash.
Want to win one? Actually we’re giving away TWO of them, so two winners. Here’s the thing. ?
Go to the MySaline Facebook GROUP (not the page) and upload a short video in the comments of this post – we want to see your best “Squatch Yell!” Yep! Whatever you think a Squatch Yell is, let’s see the video. ? I cannot wait to see what you post.
Contest entries will be eligible if:
- it’s a very short original video of you or a family or friend doing a Squatch Yell
- you published the video in the MySaline Facebook Group comments under this post
- you posted the video comment before noon Sunday, August 2nd, 2020
MySaline will announce two winners Sunday night after 7 p.m., based the most likes on your video comments. Good luck!
If you are not a member of the MySaline Facebook Group, just join and find the post!
★Now that we have posted it to social media, here’s the direct link to the contest post so you can put your video under it and be entered! https://www.facebook.com/groups/mysaline/permalink/609302256285143/.
PREVIOUSLY:
A group of local residents are meeting at Lake Norrell to clean up what others have left behind. To get involved, just show up to help on Saturday, August 1st at 7 a.m. Just meet at the public access boat ramp. The group has some trash bags and nitrile gloves, but more may be needed.
MAP:
maps.app.goo.gl/Q4RoXqDqjc4m3gw18
This effort might take a couple of hours, but it will be much faster if more people pitch in.
