The annual fall cleanup, “Big Sweep,” is being paired this year with “Litter Sweep,” which will target roadsides as well. Officials in both counties have endorsed the combined effort.

The lake cleanup will be held Saturday beginning at 8:30 a.m. as part of a statewide Big Sweep. The countywide Litter Sweep starts Monday and will conclude Saturday.

Coordinators are working to line up school groups, clubs and other groups as well as individuals to help with cleanup efforts.

Bob Pendergrass, county coordinator for Mega Sweep 2000, will lead the effort to clean up the Dutch Second Creek and Black RoadPreserve areas.

Last year, nearly 400 volunteers covered 6 miles alongside High Rock Lake, collecting 270 bags or nearly 3 tons of trash. To volunteer for the lakeside cleanup, call 636-2089.

Pendergrass said the summer drought is expected to present new challenges. More debris along the lakeshore will likely be visible but the low lake level may make the trash inaccessible by boat.

Although Saturday’s activities will focus on High Rock Lake, other areas throughout the county will be targeted as well. A group of Catawba College students and other volunteers will pick up debris on the Catawba campus, concentrating on the Grants Creek area.

Lori Sides, Rowan recycling coordinator, is heading up the countywide effort to clean up roadsides, which will begin Monday and continue all week. Church groups, school groups and individual homeowners are asked to take a section of roadway and pick up debris.

The county will provide large orange plastic bags for the trash pickup. There will be no charge for disposing of the bags at convenience centers. On major state roads, the Department of Transportation will pick up and remove the filled bags. Community service workers are cleaning up some of the worst roadways.