by Jamie Burnett
John Thompson presents Ken & Tonya Holland with the Woodfin Martin award.
A Legacy of Clean Water: Ken and Tonya Holland’s 20 Year Commitment to Lake Martin
On the shores of Lake Martin, where sunrises shimmer across the water and sunsets stretch wide across the sky, Ken and Tonya Holland found what they call their “perfect lot.”
But what started as a search for a place to call their own quickly turned into something much bigger.
It became a mission.
Recently, Ken and Tonya were honored with the Woodfin Martin Award, presented by retired LMRA President John Thompson. The recognition reflects two decades of dedication to keeping Lake Martin clean, but their story is not about awards. It is about passion, purpose, and a deep love for the lake.
Where It All Began
Their story with lake cleanup goes all the way back to 2006 during the very first Renew Our Rivers cleanup at Wind Creek State Park.
As John Thompson recalls, Tonya approached him that day while the event was wrapping up. Their personal pontoon boat was already loaded down with bags of trash, tires, and large chunks of Styrofoam.
She introduced herself, pointed over to Ken unloading the boat, and said something simple that would turn into a 20 year legacy:
“We like what you are doing. We plan to build our home on the lake and we will participate in every cleanup.”
And they meant it.
They have never missed a single Lake Martin Renew Our Rivers cleanup in 20 years.
From Participation to Purpose
While many volunteers show up once a year, Ken and Tonya took it further.
Much further.
They didn’t just participate in cleanup events. They made it their mission to clean the entire lake.
Shorelines
Islands
Creeks
Even upriver past Camp ASCCA
And because they understand that trash flows downstream, they also take part in the annual Lake Wedowee cleanup.
This is not seasonal for them.
It is a way of life.
The “Perfect Lot” That Changed Everything
Before building their lake home, the Hollands spent years camping at Wind Creek State Park, searching for the right place.
When they finally found it, a rare piece of shoreline offering both sunrise and sunset views with a natural beach, they knew they had found something special.
But what they built there was more than a home.
They built a legacy of stewardship.
A Simple Start and a Lasting Friendship
In the early days, their work caught John Thompson’s attention in an unexpected way.
They kept asking for trash bags.
At first, he handed over a small stack, maybe 15 bags.
Then they came back for more.
And more. And John reluctantly handed over a couple more.
Finally, John asked what they were doing with all the bags.
They were filling every single one. They wondered why John was being stingy with the bags but he had no idea Ken and Tonya were really out there finding so much trash. They laugh about that now.
That moment sparked not only a deeper understanding of their commitment, but also a friendship that would last for years.
Finding Beauty in the Work
What keeps people going for 20 years?
For Ken and Tonya, it is what they experience while doing the work.
White pelicans gliding across the water
Bald eagles along the shoreline with their catch
Osprey circling high above their nests
Quiet streams feeding into the lake with turtles lining the banks
These moments are part of what made the work addictive.
Because when you are out there, you realize you are not just cleaning a lake.
You are protecting an entire ecosystem.
The Stories Along the Way
Over the years, they have pulled just about everything imaginable from the water.
Light bulbs
Lighters
Flip flops
Full cans of beer
Tennis balls that never made it back to the dog
Even a bowling ball
And then there are the Crocs.
Sometimes brand new. Usually mismatched. Always good for a laugh.
Some of their best stories, though, are the ones that stay on the boat.
As they say, what happens on The Baby John stays on The Baby John.
The Baby John Lives On
The original LMRA trash boat, The Baby John, was named in honor of John Thompson and became a symbol of the cleanup effort.
When it was retired, Ken and Tonya stepped in and purchased it from LMRA. For them, it was not just a boat.
It was part of their story and they could continue to clean Lake Martin all year long.
Today, The Baby John continues to serve its purpose, helping them remove trash from the lake while carrying years of memories with it.
Outworking Everyone, One Bag at a Time
Those who have joined Ken and Tonya on their boat know one thing for sure.
You will work hard.
And you will have a great time doing it.
According to John Thompson, their crew consistently removes more trash than any other participants.
They have turned hard work into something meaningful, and somehow, still made it fun.
A Moment That Says It All
One story perfectly captures their mindset.
During a low water period, Ken and Tonya were walking the shoreline picking up trash when a homeowner approached them and asked:
“What are y’all doing?”
Ken replied, “Picking up trash.”
The homeowner responded, “This is my property.”
Without missing a beat, Ken said:
“Well, I guess we are picking up your trash.”
And they kept right on going.
No arguments. No hesitation. Just action.
A Year Round Effort
While cleanup efforts ramp up in the fall as lake levels drop ahead of Alabama Power’s Renew Our Rivers event, their work never stops.
They are always watching.
Always scanning.
Always ready.
Their boat stays stocked with trash bags so they can act immediately or return later to problem areas.
Their partnership with Wind Creek State Park has also played a key role, with staff regularly helping transport collected trash to dumpsters throughout the year.
More Than a Mission, Kitty Included
Over the years, this work has become a shared experience with family and friends.
Tonya’s mother, Shirley Cook
Their cat, Cooper, who often rides along
Friends like John Thompson, Billy Barrett, Bill Thompson, and many others
Together, they have built memories that go far beyond the cleanup itself.
A Simple Challenge to Every Boater
Their message is simple.
Take a trash bag with you.
Keep extras on your boat.
Pick up what you see.
If every boater on Lake Martin did just that, the impact would be immediate.
Because this is about more than a clean lake.
It is about protecting the wildlife, preserving the beauty, and respecting the place we all love.
Leave no trace.
A Well Deserved Honor
The Woodfin Martin Award is given to those who go above and beyond in service to Lake Martin.
Ken and Tonya Holland define that standard. Not because they were looking for recognition. But because they simply care.
And for 20 years, they have proven that one boat, a few trash bags, and a lot of heart can make a lasting difference.
Congratulations Ken and Tonya on being awarded the Woodfin Martin Award for 2026.
Awesome article! Great work.
My family and I will do our best to keep LM clean.