By Kristin Rover
Sun staff
The annual Clean and Green and East Fork River Sweep litter cleanup events will be held in Clermont County May 3.
“In the past couple of years the effort has been to combine the Clean and Green and East Fork River Sweep to make sure we had one strong event and make it more convenient for volunteers,” Vanessa Hannah, executive director of Valley View Foundation, said.
The Clean and Green locations focus on cleaning up local green spaces, and the East Fork River Sweep locations focus on cleaning up the banks of the East Fork of the Little Miami River.
Hannah said that last year at the event volunteers collected nearly four tons of trash throughout the various pick-up sites in the county.
“We had over 600 volunteers in three hours collect 450 bags of trash, 77 bags of recyclables and 34 tires, in addition to other larger debris,” Hannah said.
Hannah said the event is fun and rewarding for those who participate.
“It’s a great way to kick-off spring,” Hannah said. “In a short amount of time, it is really amazing how much positive impact we can have. That’s really rewarding, and you feel like you’ve accomplished something.”
Hannah they have multiple sites throughout the county where volunteers can come to participate in the litter cleanup.
This year, spring litter cleanup sites include locations in Amelia, Bethel, Felicity, Milford, New Richmond, Owensville, Williamsburg, Withamsville, Valley View Nature Preserve, Clepper Park, Pierce Township, East Fork State Park, Stonelick State Park, and Lynchburg in Highland County.
“I think it is nice that everyone gets to chose their own community spot where they have a vested interest,” Hannah said about the locations.
She said that if someone is interested in cleaning up in a different location, there is still time to create a new site.
“Even if a community is not listed, we welcome people to go anywhere or create their own,” Hannah said. “We will support that effort.”
Volunteers who participate in the event will receive lunch and a thank-you gift.
Volunteers will be provided with work gloves and trash bags at the event. Participants must sign a waiver prior to participating in the event.
Hannah said volunteers can find out a specific location to report to for the event when they register.
To register for River Sweep locations visit http://www.clermontswcd.org/cleanup.aspx, or call (513) 732-7075 ext. 6.
To register for Clean and Green locations visit www.valleyviewcampus.org, or call (513) 218-1098.