More than 100 Granby Land Trust (GLT) volunteers spread out across Granby during Earth Day Weekend to remove a record-setting 4,220 pounds of roadside trash from more than 50 miles of roadway and parking lots during the GLT’s fourth annual Earth Day Roadside Cleanup.
“This year’s event had new energy,” said GLT President Rick Orluk. “We welcomed new sponsors, added a kickoff event and partnered with the town to make an even greater impact than ever before. At the same time, we continued to rely on the dedicated volunteers who return year after year, and we were excited to see many new faces as well. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who participated.”
Jon Sterling, a volunteer who spent many weekend hours collecting roadside trash and bringing it to the GLT’s dumpster said, “For the past few years, I have teamed up with my middle-school-aged daughter and her friends to tackle the roadside trash in North Granby as part of the GLT’s Earth Day Cleanup. It’s been great for them to see the impressive community effort that nearly fills an entire large dumpster each year. The experience has given them a great introduction to community service, and it’s very satisfying to see our roads become litter-free.”
The GLT extends special thanks to all its volunteers; and would especially like to recognize several community partners and volunteers whose support helped make the event such a success.
Lost Acres Vineyard, which has supported the cleanup since its inception by offering all participants a free glass of wine and 10 percent off bottles. There’s nothing like relaxing at the Vineyard after a morning of hard work.
The Town of Granby, which provided a town truck (thank you, Stuart!) to escort volunteers cleaning along Routes 10 and 202. The town also sent out its street sweeper and helped fund high-visibility hats for volunteers through the state’s Nickel-per-Nip program. We so appreciate their support.
Granby Congregational Church UCC, which allowed the GLT to place the cleanup dumpster in its North Campus overflow parking lot—a great, central location.
The Cambridge Brew House Pub, which offered a free beer or soft drink to all participants who attended the GLT’s Earth Day Weekend kickoff event at the pub.
USA Waste and Recycling, which provided the GLT with a discounted dumpster.
Town Manager Mike Walsh and First Selectman Mark Fiorentino, who joined volunteers in the cleanup effort.
MVP Mark Kennedy, who participates every year and who this year spent nearly 12 hours (and more than 27,500 steps!) on his day off and throughout the weekend, cleaning up trash. The GLT also sends a shout out to Kennedy’s employer, Talcott Financial Group, that provides “paid opportunities for our employees to volunteer in the communities where they work, pledging their time to causes they believe in.”
Melissa Hall and Philip McKeough, our Best Dressed Volunteers once again this year. No one makes picking up trash look more fun than these two do!
Octogenarians Put and Nannie Brown, who pick up trash along Simsbury Road year-round, and who dedicated two days to the GLT’s Earth Day effort, including tackling the deep gullies along Routes 10 and 202.
The 100+ volunteers who donated their time to the cause. Says Orluk, “We couldn’t do it without you. Thank you to each and every one of you!”
Beyond being unsightly, roadside litter often finds its way into wetlands, streams and wildlife habitats. As a land conservation organization, the GLT works to protect the town’s forests, wetlands, farms and wildlife habitats, making efforts like the roadside cleanup an important part of its mission.
Residents interested in participating in next year’s Earth Day Roadside Cleanup can sign up to receive emails from the GLT via the form on our website: granbylandtrust.org or follow the GLT on Facebook and Instagram for updates. “We would love to have even more volunteers next year,” says Orluk. “This is a true community event, and our goal is to clean up every single road in town.”
If you believe in what the Granby Land Trust does for our community, consider joining (it is only $30 annually for a family membership)—join online at GranbyLandTrust.org