Twice a year HOBO and Alabama Power sponsor a lake clean-up event. Participants meet at Higgins Ferry Public Pavilion early on a Saturday morning and then leave in teams by boat to fan out across the lake collecting trash from the water. Since the beginning of this program we have removed tons of bottles, cups, trash, appliances, and other debris from the lake. MORE
Marine 9 Fire and Rescue Boat
HOBO originally purchased and maintains the Marine 9 Fire and Rescue Boat. The fireboat is operated by the East Chilton Volunteer Fire Department and is available to respond to fire emergencies along the lake shore.
The Fourth of July on Lake Mitchell is always a special time. At nine o'clock everyone gathers by boat in Cargile Creek to form a floating flotilla. As patriotic music rings out, viewers are treated to a spectacular fireworks show above the lake.
Each June the Lake Mitchell HOBO sponsors a picnic at Higgins Ferry Pavilion for all residents on the lake. HOBO provides the meat, drinks and paper goods and everyone brings a side dish. The food is always wonderful and it is a great opportunity to get to know fellow residents on the lake.
Every year HOBO volunteers and Alabama Power representatives replenish fish habitats with recycled Christmas trees. Workers bundle the trees, load them onto barges, and sink them at various locations in the lake. Each spot is recorded with GPS coordinates so that fisherman can find the habitats later.
HOBO awards a $2500 scholarship each year to a deserving high school senior from Coosa or Chilton County. Applicants for the scholarship must have a qualifying grade point average, submit an essay, participate in a HOBO Lake Clean-up and be interviewed by the Scholarship Selection Committee.
Pictured at left is 2019 scholarship winner Maria Maldonado.
HOBO helps sponsor a local Water Festival for Fourth Graders. Hundreds of local children learn about the importance of protecting our natural water resources.
Each year HOBO prints a beautiful full color calendar comprised of lake photos taken by HOBO members. Anyone can submit a photo for consideration for the calendar. Proceeds from the sale of calendars go toward the HOBO Scholarship.
The health of any lake depends upon its water quality. HOBO volunteers regularly test the water for dissolved oxygen levels, pH, temperature and other parameters to monitor the status of Lake Mitchell.