SOLO volunteers pose with trash collected on clean up day. Source: Jackson Feldmeyer.
Formed in 2004, Save Our Lake Organization (SOLO) is dedicated to promoting a clean Lake Norman. Over the years, recreation and power generation have stressed the waters of Lake Norman. When asked what sparked the creation of SOLO, Founder Jill Feldmeyer explained, “When I moved to Mooresville, I did not see an organization or any advocacy for clean, fresh water. One afternoon, I saw a woman teaching her kid how to sink beer bottles into the lake and I knew I had to do something.” Since its establishment, SOLO has collaborated with other local non-profit organizations. For instance, SOLO participates in the NC Wildlife’s Adopt and Island Program. As an important location for heron breeding, SOLO’s adopted island is also protected by the Lake Norman Wildlife Conservationists.
Since 2007, SOLO has shifted its complete focus to addressing pollution in and around the lake. The SOLO team meets once a month to discuss concerns and plan upcoming events. SOLO hosts two large clean up events each year (before and after the boating season) with over 600 volunteers participating annually. Moreover, SOLO emphasizes getting children involved during clean ups and educational events. Every year the volume of trash collected grows and SOLO anticipates this trend to continue with development around the lake. As Feldmeyer said, “SOLO’s little part is keeping Lake Norman clean and promoting that mission. As long as there are people, there will be trash.”
References
- Feldmeyer, J. (2014, March 26). Interview Save Our Lake Organization.
- Save Our Lake Organization of Lake Norman NC | About Us. (n.d.). Retrieved April 9, 2014, from http://saveourlakeorganization.org/aboutus.html