Ashland – Green Up Ashland will hold its 10th annual Earth Day event Saturday, April 28, from 9 a.m. to noon. Registration and trash bags will be available at Stone Park Pavilion, on the corner of Cherry and Summer streets, and at additional locations in order to involve more residents throughout town. The rain date is Sunday, April 29, from noon to 3 p.m.
New this year, are a total of four satellite locations around town where residents can register and collect trash bags: Ashland Library on Front Street, Sears Parking Lot on the corner of Pond and Eliot Streets, the Tennis Courts at the Warren Inn and Conference Center on Chestnut Street, and the Warren School on Fruit Street.
The entire Ashland community is invited to “adopt a street” or clean up litter in a public park or along a riverbank. Residents can fill the bags with rubbish and roadside litter and leave them on the curbside for pickup by the Department of Public Works following the event. Residents should bring their own work gloves and water and wear sturdy shoes and bright clothing for safety.
Janet Gamache, a Green Up Ashland organizer, believes “we all have a responsibility to the community we live in. We can’t expect somebody else to take care of our land and water. Earth Day reminds us every year how important it is to be aware and be involved.”
Volunteers registering at or visiting the Stone Park site will be treated to free coffee, donuts and T-shirts while they last and view displays by local “green” community and town groups. There are many exciting, new activities in town this year. Visitors will learn about the new Ashland Farmers” Market (“Keeping It Fresh”) set for a grand opening June 9; Rediscover Ashland 2012 (“Keeping It Local”), an eight-day event that will showcase local businesses June 9-16; an Historic Walk May 19, co-sponsored by the Ashland Open Space Committee and Historical Commission; the new coffee recycling program called “Grounds Around Town;” composting from the Ashland High School Environmental Club, and water conservation from the Ashland Water Department.
This year, Ashland's Earth Day is focused on land stewardship, and Green Up Ashland was formed to reflect that change.
“We decided to narrow our focus to trash pickup,” Gamache said. “While driving through Vermont last May and seeing green garbage bags dotting the roadsides all over the state, it occurred to me that we could model our efforts after what they do throughout their state. Since we have a limited number of volunteers and resources, we decided to set up multiple satellite locations around Ashland to be more visible and effective at getting more residents involved.”
Green Up Ashland is working to promote a litter-free environment and encourages stewardship of our lands and waterways and pride in the community.
To volunteer with set up and registration the day of the event, contact the Board of Health at 508-881-0100 ext. 681 or e-mail [email protected]. Look for Green Up Ashland on Facebook and visit www.ashlandmass.com.
