Volunteers Help Beautify Summit during Earth Day Clean Up

On Saturday, April 26, and Sunday, April 27, over 140 volunteers picked up trash, mulched trails and removed invasive plant species at sites throughout Summit as part of the annual citywide Earth Day Clean Up. In a collaboration led by the City of Summit Environmental Commission, volunteers of all ages worked together to remove litter and debris and performed maintenance in parks and on trails in an effort to beautify the City.

City of Summit Superintendent of Public Works Paul Cascais reports that over 1.23 tons of trash and other debris were collected during the two-day event.  “This annual initiative is important in maintaining parks and trails in Summit but it also provides a deep and lasting connection for people with our green spaces,” Cascais reports. “This year, our volunteers did an excellent job.  We are so thankful for everyone who participated.”

According to Summit Environmental Commission Chairman Beth Lovejoy, the collaborative effort involved scout groups, civic organizations, and individuals. “The commission is thrilled with the number of volunteers who joined together for the annual Clean Up,” explains Lovejoy. “Community support is a key contributor to the success of the event.  It really does highlight how people in Summit value and prioritize the protection of our natural resources.”  “If you were not able to participate this year,” Lovejoy continues, “we look forward to seeing you next year.”

The first Earth Day on April 22, 1970 activated 20 million Americans from all walks of life and is widely credited with launching the modern environmental movement. The passage of the landmark Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act and many other groundbreaking environmental laws soon followed.  Each year, Summit joins more than 1 billion people who now participate in Earth Day activities each year, making it the largest civic observance in the world.