Land Trust to Clean Up, Celebrate

The Barrington Land Conservation Trust will celebrate Earth Day this weekend with a mission and a celebration.

The mission is "Operation Clean Beach" on Saturday from 10 am to noon. It’s a cleanup of the eastern shore of Allin's Cove and the Third Street access, said Helen Tjader of the land trust.

Then on Sunday from 3 to 4:30 pm, the land trust will celebrate the five-year anniversary of its acquisition of Sowams Woods off of Washington Road, Tjader said.

“Winter storms and spring tides always wash up debris large and small onto the shoreline,” said Tjader. “Plastic litter and fishing line pose a threat to birds. Help us welcome all visitors to this local treasure by participating in this shoreline rescue operation.”

Wear sturdy outdoor clothes. Bring gloves and a couple of big black trash bags, she said.

“Don't forget to wear bug spray to avoid Lyme disease carried by ticks; we will also have some on hand,” she said. “Water resistant or waterproof shoes would be handy, but not required -- we will also clear upland areas of litter.”

“Bring your favorite 'trash' tools, such as a rake, a lacrosse racket or a trash grabber that can extend your reach into the reeds, wet areas or rose bushes,” Tjader said. “We will try to separate out recyclable materials from the trash.”

The cleanup is suitable for everyone, young and old, she said. Please honor all neighborhood parking restrictions.

There are just two beach access spaces at the end of Willow Way, Tjader said. Please park along Third Street or Pleasant Street.

“We will meet at the end of Third Street,” she said.

Fast forward to Sunday and the Sowams Woods celebration.

“Sowams Woods trails have been completed thanks to numerous Scouts,” she said. “Invasive plants have been greatly reduced and native plants added. Come see the progress. We'll check wildflowers in bloom, peepers at the pools and herring at the pond.”

Park your vehicle on Tallwood, Lighthouse or Spinaker streets. Meet up at the Sowams Woods sign on Washington Road.

“This will be an easy stroll with time for photography,” she said.

No special clothing requirements, but insect repellant is still recommended for avoiding Lyme Disease.

Birthday refreshments will complete the Sunday celebration, she said.

For questions on the cleanup or the celebration, contact Tjader at 401-480-8329 and helen@acornnpsolutions.com.