Friends of Lake Keowee Society - FOLKS

06/13/2026

Heavy summer rains can carry pollutants into local waterways. Simple practices like picking up pet waste and reducing fertilizer use help protect water quality.

06/13/2026

TowBoatUS is a valuable resource when you’re in the lake!

06/12/2026

Calling all artists! Celebrate our beautiful lakes. Participate in the Member Challenge, “Echoes of the Lake,” at The Blue Ridge Arts Center. FOLKS is co-sponsoring the event during Lakes Appreciation Month. Not an artist? Come to the show! It’s the perfect way to unwind after a busy day and recharge your battery.

We are in search of art for our annual calendar. Local artists appreciate the value of our amazing water resources. Art featuring: clean water, native plants, safe boating, active lifestyles, water conservation, shoreline protection, parks and recreation, wildlife, and outdoor education around Lake Keowee, Lake Jocassee, and streams and natural areas within the watershed will be considered for the FOLKS calendar.

Bringing Art to the People and People to the Arts

Friends of Lake Keowee Society - FOLKS - So excited to partner up! Thank you for supporting The Blue Ridge Art Center!

111 East South 2nd Street, Seneca, SC
Gallery Hours: (during active shows)
Wednesday - Friday 1pm -4pm
Saturday 10am - 1pm
Public receptions: First and Last Friday of each show (5:30-6:30pm)

06/12/2026

This is sound advice from Clemson Extension Carolina Clear! This summer, as you travel and enjoy the waters of our state, keep in mind that invasive species can move between lakes and rivers on your boats and paddle boards. Wash your watercraft before traveling to another location. Stay tuned for more info about how to keep our waters clean…

06/06/2026

There is still time to submit an application for Pickens County's Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training before the June 11 deadline! Join a team of local volunteers learning lifesaving skills, emergency preparedness, disaster response and how to support neighbors during times of crisis.

Whether it’s severe weather, search efforts or community emergencies, CERT volunteers help keep Pickens County prepared and resilient.

There are limited seats available, so visit the link to apply now: https://www.co.pickens.sc.us/.../emergency_services/cert.php

06/06/2026

06/06/2026

Those who attended this event about Emergency Preparedness heard real stories from experienced emergency personnel and volunteers. We are fortunate to have such well-trained personnel who can assist during emergencies around the lake. However, their message was that individuals need to be prepared.

Join us at our next Wilde Speaker Series event, Ecosystems and Watersheds, during Lakes Appreciation Month, on July 16, 2:30 pm, World of Energy.

SENECA — The Friends of Lake Keowee Society hosted three presentations at Duke Energy World of Energy on Thursday from various local volunteers and emergency response teams about the importance

06/06/2026

We join PalmettoPride in their effort to stop litter! Unsecured loads contribute to a large percentage of trash on our roadways. Trash blows out of trucks delivering garbage to convenience centers and eventually ends up on the roadside. These items may wash or blow into our lakes. Remember, storm drains collect garbage and then drain to the lake. Take care and !

June 6th marks the annual Day, dedicated to raising awareness around vehicle safety to keep our roads safe and litter-free! 🚛

Operating a vehicle without properly securing its load is not only dangerous and illegal — it also increases the amount of litter found on South Carolina roadways and carries fines of up to $300.

Don't risk it! Secure your load before you hit the road. 🛑

06/03/2026

Our Wilde Speaker Series, sponsored by The Cason Group, of WeSellLakeKeowee at Keller Williams Realty Seneca SC, recently featured Oconee Emergency Services, CERT, and The Red Cross. We are fortunate to have these resources in our area that make our community resilient and able to withstand disasters. You can join them in this valuable service. Volunteer today!

SERVE YOUR COMMUNITY BEFORE, DURING & AFTER A DISASTER

Did you know Oconee County has its own Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)?

CERT is a FEMA-backed program that trains everyday community members in life-saving skills so they can support neighbors and assist professional first responders when it matters most.

📋 CERT training covers:
🔹 Disaster preparedness
🔹 Fire safety
🔹 Basic first aid & medical triage
🔹 Light search & rescue
🔹 Disaster psychology
🔹 Team organization & incident support

No experience is necessary — just a willingness to serve your community.

📩 Interested in joining or learning more about upcoming training? Reach out to Oconee County Emergency Services:

✉️ [email protected]
📞864-638-4201

Be ready. Be trained. Be the difference.

06/02/2026

Here are some tips on how to protect your vessel during a hurricane:

1️⃣ Strip the Deck 🌬️
Remove all canvas, cushions, and sails. In hurricane winds, these act like giant parachutes that can rip cleats right out of your deck. If it’s not bolted down, it’s a projectile!

2️⃣ Double Lines + Chafe Gear 🧵
Use oversized nylon lines for extra stretch. Most importantly, add chafe gear (like a heavy-duty hose) wherever lines touch the dock. Friction from a storm surge can melt a bare rope in minutes.

3️⃣ Center the Boat (The Spiderweb) 🕸️
Don't tie it tight! Use long spring lines to center the boat in the slip. This allows the boat to rise with the storm surge without getting pinned against the dock or pulled underwater.

4️⃣ Clear the Drains 🌧️
Hurricane rain is relentless. Ensure your scuppers (deck drains) are crystal clear. If they clog with debris, your cockpit fills like a bathtub, adding thousands of pounds that can swamp the boat.

5️⃣ Grab the "Go-Bag" 📸
Take your electronics and paperwork home. Pro Tip: Take "before" photos of your expert tie-down job. It’s your best evidence for insurance if the dock itself fails.

Stay safe, stay prepared, and watch the weather! 🌀💪