Halfway through last year, I became the Project Clean Stream (PCS) coordinator at the Alliance. I was excited about this new focus – after all, starting in 2002, PCS has been the longest-standing project at the Alliance. Sifting through historical data, it quickly became clear to just how many volunteers have not only engaged in a PCS event but also made an impact on them and their communities.

In January, I started getting everything in order for the year ahead. There are budgets to create, supplies to order, and communication and outreach plans to build. As I thought about the spring season, I wanted to celebrate the 21-year history of engaging local communities. So I rallied four site captains, one from each of our office locations, and challenged them to create a kick-off event that would encourage collective effort in removing trash from local communities.

To say I am very excited by how my colleagues conquered this challenge wouldn’t do them justice. Each Project Clean Stream kick-off event is shaping up to celebrate some pretty amazing partners. Let me take a moment to share each of them with you:

 

Richmond, Virginia

Friday, March 31
2-4 PM

In Richmond, Virginia, my colleague Jenny McGarvey is working in partnership with Manchester Manifest and Manchester Alliance to clean up the Manchester and Blackwell neighborhood, not just one, but three weekends in a row. Come out and grab your “cleanup crew passport.” Collect a stamp from each event for your chance to win prizes and raffles!

First, join the Alliance on Friday, March 31. Then, join Manchester Manifest for First Friday on April 7. Rounding out the event, join Manchester Alliance on Saturday, April 15. Stay until the end for snacks from Legends Brewing Company. These three weekends will be fun-filled. Bring your spring-cleaning energy!

 

Washington, D.C.

Friday, March 31
3-5 PM

In Washington, D.C., my colleague Carly Starobin is partnering with the Well at Oxon Run, Chesapeake Bay’s DC staff, DC Greens, The Green Scheme, Friends of Oxon Run Park, and Nature Forward to cleanup Oxon Run Park. Select boots will also be available for those interested in taking their cleanup efforts into the water! Gloves, trash bags, water, and light snacks will be provided. Come out and join the community!

 

Annapolis, MD

Friday, March 31
2-4 PM
I have the pleasure of coordinating a cleanup at our new office location in Annapolis, MD. I have invited our new neighbors and partner organizations in the area – including the Choose Clean Water Coalition and Scenic Rivers Land Trust. Many community members will be in attendance, too. Stay until the end for your chance to win several raffles, including a gift card from Rise Up!

 

Lancaster, PA

Saturday, April 1
11-2 PM

In Lancaster, PA my colleague Cathleen Anthony is planning a community cleanup right at our office, which sits on a section of the Little Conestoga Creek. There will be an Alliance raffle and a hunt for weird trash! Gloves, trash bags, water, and light snacks will be provided. Join our staff and community members to kick off your weekend.

 

Come prepared!

Below is a list of a few items we encourage you to bring:

Dress appropriately for the outdoors. Wear sturdy walking shoes (closed-toed preferred).
Bring a reusable water bottle.
Wear sun protection.
All events are rain or shine.
Gloves, trash bags, trash pickers, water, and snacks will all be provided.
These events are family-friendly. Kids are welcome but must have a guardian with them to attend.

If you are nearby one of the above cleanups and looking to kick off Earth month, I encourage you to volunteer today. I am looking forward to sharing the highlights from our kick-off events with you!