The Albert Lea Lakes Foundation will coordinate the 2019 Lake Cleanup Day on April 27, according to a press release.

Every year local volunteers assemble at Frank Hall Park to receive cleanup supplies and then spread out to different areas of Freeborn County lakes, rivers and waterways to pick up trash that has accumulated over the winter.

“We love our lakes and waterways,” said Albert Lea Lakes Foundation President Brian Hensley. “It’s pretty amazing to see everyone gather in the morning with big smiles and energy, and return later with bags of trash. The volunteers often look a little dirtier, and a little more tired, but they always have huge smiles on their faces.”

The Shell Rock River Watershed District has provided dumpsters at two locations, as well as providing garbage bags, buckets and gloves to volunteers as part of their mission of public outreach and providing clean water.

Special this year is an Adopt a Drain program that many are excited about, the release states. The Lakes Foundation past president Laura Cunningham will coordinate selecting up to a dozen drains around Albert Lea. A special city-approved stencil will be used after the drains are clean to remind everyone that the drains flow directly to the waterways. Those dozen drains are being adopted and cared for in memory of longtime Lakes Foundation and Albert Lea advocate Dan Borland.

“Dan held a special place in all of our hearts. He was always at every event, taking thousands of photos,” Hensley said. “He is missed and as this summer progresses and events are being held, I think it will be quickly realized that Dan’s not here and we will all think of Dan, his cameras and his love (for) Albert Lea.”

To join the Lakes Foundation in cleaning up local waterways, check in at Frank Hall Park between 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. April 27, when bags and supplies will be handed out.