Join in Bay Village waterways clean-ups this summer

Families participate in a waterways clean-up of Sperry Creek. Photo by Patrick McGannon

If you are looking to make a serious impact on the pollution in our waterways and Lake Erie, look no further than one or more of the Bay Village Green Team’s waterways clean-ups this summer. These are fun events that meet at different creeks in Bay Village to clean up litter in and around the local waterways.

When I say they are fun, I mean it! You get to meet other like-minded citizens who care deeply about keeping our water clean, and you also get to feel good about going out and making a difference! Grab your kids, friends and neighbors and plan to attend one! Here are the events:

• Wednesday, June 19, 7 p.m. Meet at Reese Park on Clague Road for a Sperry Creek clean-up.
• Tuesday, July 16, 7 p.m. Meet at Columbia Park on Lake Road for a Columbia Beach and Tuttle Creek clean-up.
• Wednesday, Aug. 21, 7 p.m. Meet at the Cahoon Park gazebo for a Cahoon Creek Clean-up.

For more information please visit the Bay Village Green Team Facebook page for a complete listing of these events and more.

After the clean-ups, the volunteers typically enjoy a cold beverage together at a local establishment, creating a nice end to a productive evening and providing more time for volunteers to get to know each other.

I know all of the Bay Village Green Team volunteers for these events would love to see new faces! The more volunteers, the merrier (obviously), as well as more waste collected. Also, always remember that even if your schedule doesn't allow for you to attend one of these planned events, you can do clean-ups on your own, anytime, simply by picking up litter when you see it around town. This helps prevent litter from going down a storm drain which will end up in the lake.

Yes, waterways clean-ups can be done on your street by you alone! Every picked-up piece of litter is one less that will end up in our waterways or Lake Erie. Whether or not you're with an organized group doesn't matter – you alone will make a difference.

Happy summer, everyone!