Diamond Valley volunteers will be rolling up their sleeves for a little spring-cleaning this weekend.
Black Diamond Parks and Recreation Committee and the Town of Turner Valley are inviting citizens from both communities to don their work gloves and collect garbage in green spaces in and around the towns for Project Green Day May 23 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
“It brings people together and it also helps people focus on positive things in their community and take care of their environment,” said Christine Bates, chairperson of Black Diamond’s Parks and Recreation Committee.
“The Towns do a really good job of keeping the towns clean, but we get a lot of wind here so garbage can blow up in to green spaces, trees, places that you don’t necessarily think to look for garbage.
“It’s getting in nooks and crannies that you don’t normally frequent.”
Among target areas this weekend are pocket gardens, parks, areas along the Sheep River, the dog park and the community garden, Bates said.
Approximately 40 people participated in last year’s clean up, filling a dumpster in just three hours, she said.
“Everyone came back with bags and bags of stuff,” she said. “Some came back with hub caps and pieces of metal.”
Bates finds some groups clean up on their own, targeting specific areas of the community in conjunction with Project Green Day or on another day, she said.
“When I’m driving, walking or riding my bike I don’t see a lot of litter,” she said. “I think people are doing a good job of it. We are hoping to inspire people to take care of their earth every day and encourage people to do their part every single day by taking care of their own little area, picking up garbage and recycling, reducing and reusing.”
Bates said Project Green Day gets Black Diamond and Turner Valley residents working together to improve the appearance of the two towns and preserve the environment.
“I think it’s another event like the parade and Diamond Valley Discovery Days that people talk to their neighbours and come together for a common cause,” she said. “That builds our communities and the collaboration between them.”
Bates said the event is an opportunity to promote friendly environmentalism.
“We’re hoping that we can get lots of people out there,” she said. “We just think it’s a great opportunity to keep the community and the environment in the forefront of your mind.”
Turner Valley Mayor Kelly Tuck will be among those collecting garbage on Project Green Day, as she always does.
“I enjoy going out and being with the residents,” she said. “You get to meet new people, you get to have great conversations. The end result is your communities are clean.”
Tuck always has a grocery bag handy to collect garbage lying around when walking in the community and notices other people doing the same.
“I appreciate that because we all live here,” she said. “We don’t want wildlife to come into contact with any foreign materials.”
Those interested in participating in Project Green Day must register at the Scott Seaman Sports Rink in Black Diamond starting at 9 a.m.
Maps will be provided highlighting specific areas and volunteers can enjoy coffee and muffins, browse the displays and enter to win eco-friendly door prizes before heading out.
A volunteer appreciation barbecue will be held at noon, hosted by the Foothills Lions Club, at the sports rink.
Volunteers must supply their own work gloves.
For more information go to the Towns of Black Diamond and Turner Valley websites at town.blackdiamond.ab.ca and turnervalley.ca
