All hands on deck for Adopt-the-Shoreline cleanup at Lake of the Ozarks
As Lake of the Ozarks prepares for another busy boating season, residents and visitors are invited to take part in a spring tradition that helps keep the shoreline clean. The annual Adopt-the-Shoreline cleanup invites the community to form teams and “adopt” sections of the lake to help preserve its natural beauty. Sponsored by Ameren Missouri, the event provides volunteers with trash bags and disposal services, making it easy to get involved.
Volunteers can contact Ameren Missouri at 573.365.9203 to adopt a section of the shoreline and arrange for trash disposal options.
Since 1991, more than 16,000 volunteers have removed nearly 6.2 million pounds of trash from the lake’s shoreline, supporting a cleaner lake experience for everyone each year. Looking specifically at spring cleanups, volunteers removed an average of 68,000 pounds of trash per year from 2016 to 2025.
“Whether you’re boating, fishing or just enjoying the view, we all want the lake to look its best,” said Greg Stoner, environmental specialist at Ameren Missouri. “Year after year, we’re thankful for neighbors stepping up to help protect the shoreline before the summer season begins. Their commitment keeps the lake clean and beautiful so our fish and wildlife habitats at the lake remain litter-free and everyone can continue to enjoy it.”
The Adopt-the-Shoreline program will run through April 30. Each adopting group is responsible for cleaning at least five shoreline miles and participating in at least two shoreline cleanup events annually.
Maintaining a clean and healthy shoreline also supports safe lake operations and helps protect the infrastructure that delivers reliable energy to surrounding communities. The hydropower generated from the lake at Ameren’s Bagnell Dam and Osage Energy Center is an important contributor of energy for the grid, helping to provide reliable electricity for customers.
For more information about Ameren Missouri's operations at Lake of the Ozarks, please visit AmerenMissouri.com/Lake.