GAYLORD — White Birch Outfitters and the Downtown Merchants Association are spearheading a cleanup project in downtown Gaylord on April 22, which is also Earth Day.
Linda Durant, of Holistic Spa on Main Street and president of the merchants association, said Earth Day was an obvious choice for this year's effort.
"We knew we wanted to select a date that would help everyone go from spring to summer and cleanup everything from the snow. Also the weather this year was so warm. We were confident this year that Earth Day would be a great day to do it," she said.
“We love our downtown as much as we love our natural resources like lakes and trails,” added Casey Buckleitner of White Birch Outfitters. “Each year we coordinate a cleanup project to help take care of some of our recreational assets and keep them in the best condition for everyone to enjoy.”
From 3:30-5:30 p.m., downtown business owners, employees and members of the community are invited to participate in the cleanup project.
"This will be the second year. Casey from White Birch Outfitters started the downtown cleanup last year and it went so well that we decided to continue it. We will start under the Pavilion (on South Court Avenue) at 3:30 p.m. If you are in school and need to get volunteer hours, you can come by after school. Everyone is welcome to join in at any time until about 5:30 p.m.," Durant said.
Volunteers will be asked to pick up trash, litter and gather cigarette butts. Supplies like trash bags will be provided.
"Horizon Bank has donated reaching tools (or grabbers) for those who have a hard time bending over to pick up items," noted Durant.
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This year, the merchants association (DMA) decided to include contests with prizes awarded for certain categories such as the most waste collected and the most unique item found.
“Cleanup projects are rewarding and can be a great deal of fun,” said Durant. “The DMA wanted to add some extra incentive for people to take part in this event that helps beautify our downtown.”
Durant said there is no age limit for participants.
"This is a community event. Anybody is welcome to come and as long as you can pick up trash and place it in a bag, you can help. Last year we had numerous families (participate) with children who were about nine to older teens," she said.
— Contact Paul Welitzkin at pwelitzkin@gaylordheraldtimes.com.
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