Annual Cleanup Planned For Mianus River Park In Greenwich, Stamford

GREENWICH, CT — The Town of Greenwich Parks and Recreation Foundation will host its fourth annual Earth Day Clean-Up & Beautification event on Saturday, April 18, from 9 a.m. to noon at Mianus River Park.

Volunteers are asked to meet at the Cognewaugh Street entrance, where the morning will begin with a brief welcome, a demonstration on proper tree planting and an overview of activities. Organizers said activities are expected to begin at approximately 9:15 a.m.

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The event brings together residents, students and local organizations to support conservation efforts at the park. Volunteers will take part in projects including planting about 30 trees, adding to nearly 150 planted over the past three years along key trail areas.

Additional plantings will include native species and perennials such as lizard’s tail, native pachysandra and cucumber magnolia to support habitat restoration and biodiversity.

Organizers said a major focus this year will be removing invasive species, including garlic mustard, wisteria, barberry and winged euonymus. Other work will include lining trails with logs and branches to improve definition and clearing debris.

The Town of Greenwich Parks Department will provide a limited number of tools, including shovels, hand shears, rakes and garbage bags. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own gloves and tools.

"This event has become a wonderful Earth Day tradition," said Parks and Recreation Director Joe Siciliano in an announcement. "Mianus River Park is a shared natural treasure for both Greenwich and Stamford, and this day brings people from both communities together to care for and enhance this remarkable landscape. It’s inspiring to see residents of all ages roll up their sleeves and work side by side to keep the park beautiful."

"Earth Day at Mianus River Park has become a special tradition for our community," added Sue Bodson, co-chair of the Town of Greenwich Parks and Recreation Foundation. "Each year, it’s inspiring to see volunteers of all ages come together to care for this extraordinary natural resource. Expanding our impact through additional tree plantings and focusing on the removal of invasive species allows us to make a meaningful, lasting difference in preserving the park’s natural beauty.”

Mianus River Park spans 391 acres, including 110 acres in Greenwich’s Mianus/Upper Cos Cob neighborhood, 187 acres in Stamford and 94 acres owned by the State of Connecticut, making it one of the largest preserved natural areas in lower Fairfield County.

The event is supported by the Town of Greenwich Department of Parks & Recreation, Friends of Mianus River Park, Junior League of Greenwich, Junior League of Stamford-Norwalk and the Woman’s Club of Greenwich.

Organizers said individuals, families, scout groups and students seeking community service hours are encouraged to participate.