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PHOTO: The 2019 Farmington Volunteer Earth Day Cleanup in 2019. (Submitted photo)
FARMINGTON — “Restore our Earth” is the international theme for the 51st anniversary of Earth Day and Farmington’s eighth annual volunteer cleanup, scheduled for from 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday, April 22, beginning at the Pierce House, 204 Main St.
All volunteers are welcome to show up any time between 1 and 3 p.m. to pick up bags and gloves. An area can be assigned or volunteers can choose their own; volunteers are asked to wear masks and apply social distancing.
Farmington’s enthusiastic volunteers of all ages have gone out each year and cleaned up roadsides, parks and trail ways, picking up litter and “spring cleaning” the town. This year prizes, generously donated by local businesses, will be awarded to add to the fun.
A few cautions should be observed this year so everyone stays safe; COVID restrictions apply fully. Bright colors should be worn by anyone near roadways. Phil Hutchins, Public Works director, has also cautioned that volunteers should not pick up anything suspicious or possibly drug-related. Anyone who finds something like this should contact the event coordinator (207-778-2200/no texts) and properly trained personnel will remove it safely.
“Plogging” is a fancy word for jogging while picking up litter. “Ploggers” are welcome to participate in teams or as individuals as a fun option for the athletically inclined — a chance to exercise and contribute to the health and beauty of the environment any time you are out.
Because of COVID restrictions and potential schedule conflicts, volunteers are also encouraged to go out any time during the week of April 22. Please share what you do and your photos with the volunteer coordinator. You will be eligible to win some of the prizes, which include gift certificates, gourmet goodies and T-shirts.
People doing cleanup outside event hours are asked to leave their bags by the roadside and contact the volunteer coordinator who will arrange pick up.
Prizes will be awarded to the winners (based on photos) in the following categories:
* Happiest Cleanup Volunteer Group or Family
* Oddest Litter Found
* Most Adventurous Litter Retrieval
* Silliest Cleanup Outfit
* Youngest Volunteer
* Oldest Volunteer
Despite many environmental challenges on global and local levels, the simple actions of picking up litter and caring for plants and soil can be done by anyone, virtually anytime and anyplace, and make a real difference in “Restoring the Earth.”
For questions regarding Farmington’s Earth Day, please contact Jody Bean Palmer, volunteer coordinator for the annual cleanup, at 207-778-2200 (no texts, please) or email at jbeanpalmer@yahoo.com. Suggestions and assistance are always appreciated.
