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Haverhill’s Annual Earth Day citywide cleanup, set for Saturday, April 25, will carry the revolutionary theme, “A Green and Clean 250th USA City!”
As in the past, the effort seeks volunteers to clean public parks, conservation areas and neighborhoods, including “country roads,” that are strewn with litter and may include sidewalks, roadsides and school grounds. In a statement Tuesday, Mayor Melinda E. Barrett asked all residents to do their part by participating in recycling, securing trash receptacles, picking up after their dogs and properly disposing of waste.
“Spring is here, the Red Sox are back, and it’s time for the annual citywide cleanup!” declared Barrett. “As we enter the 250th celebration of our nation’s founding, it is more important than ever that we work together to take pride in our city and all we have accomplished.”
She added, “Let’s set an example for future generations by showing how important it is to make Earth Day special.”
The cleanup takes place Saturday, April 25, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., beginning at the Citizens Center, 10 Welcome St., Haverhill. Volunteers are encouraged to meet first at 8:30 a.m., at the Citizens Center, for a brief kickoff and to pick up t-shirts, trash grabber sticks while they last, trash bags and snacks. The Haverhill Conservation Department will also be on hand with information about its volunteer Trail Stewards program and Roots & Rivers newsletter.
Volunteers are encouraged to register online at haverhillrec.com.
Volunteers may organize their own neighborhood or park clean up or join in another identified cleanup site. All locations are on city property, which includes roadsides. Officials ask that trash be put into plastic trash bags while leaves and other yard waste be placed in leaf bags. Branches should be stacked in piles and sand should swept into piles and left on the side of the street for pick up.
Besides the city, major sponsors include Haverhill’s Brightside, Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce, Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce, Haverhill Bank, Pentucket Bank, Reworld, Magellan Aerospace, Cedar’s Mediterranean Food, Heav’nly Donuts, Peddler’s Daughter, Justine Maguire of North Shore Realty Group, Battle Grounds Coffee Co., Councilor Thomas J. Sullivan and Downey Law Group/DLG Closing, Legacy Gurus Estate Planning, Aroma Joe’s, and Rogers Realty Team.
Those with questions may call 978-374-2388 and press 4 or email Recreation Director Benjamin Delaware at [email protected] or Dave LaBrode at [email protected].