Friday, September 25, 2009
Editorial: Nature calls
It's dirty work, but cleanup efforts are much appreciated.
From the RoundTable blog
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Yes, we know you never litter, are diligent about keeping plastic store bags from blowing away, wouldn't think of driving along a remote road and tossing tires down a hillside.
Unfortunately, not everyone is you. Some of your neighbors are slobs and treat nature as their personal landfill.
That's why each year volunteers like you are asked to pitch in and clean up others' messes. And if you're a mess maker, here is your chance for atonement. Anyone who spends a few hours picking up and sifting through the nastiness will think before carelessly tossing an empty water bottle.
Two opportunities are available to pitch in. The first is Saturday at Carvins Cove. From 8 a.m. to noon, volunteers will work on a trail improvement project led by Roanoke Valley Greenways.
Then, next Saturday, Oct. 3, is the big cleanup along the Roanoke River and its tributaries. Last year, more than 1,000 people pitched in, working throughout the Roanoke Valley in the city, county, Salem, Vinton and Botetourt County. They pulled out bags, cigarette butts, diapers, TVs, toys, tires and more.
The trash not only looks unsightly, it exacts a toll on wildlife and can plug up streams and contribute to flooding.
The day isn't all hard work. A celebration, starting at 11:45 a.m. in Wasena Park, follows the cleanup.
