Volunteers needed for West Dundee Earth Day project
By Gerard Dziuba
Daily Herald columnist
West Dundee will bring residents closer to spring on Saturday when volunteers gather for their annual Earth Day project.
The army of nature enthusiasts will gather at the pumping station at 2306 Kittridge Drive to wipe away winter's grime, cut overgrown brush and pick up litter.
This is the sixth year village leaders have coordinated the cleanup effort to coincide with national Earth Day projects. In the past, the volunteers have cleaned winter's mess in the downtown business area and along the Fox River.
"We're excited about this year's plan because we're able to branch out and concentrate on other parts of the village," said Becky Gillam, volunteer coordinator. "The downtown area and the riverwalk are looking good and we're hoping to continue the momentum we have started."
The group will work from 9 a.m. until noon Saturday. People who want to participate are asked to call the West Dundee village hall at (847) 551-3800. Also, they are urged to wear comfortable clothing with long sleeves and no open-toe shoes, such as sandals. Work gloves are also recommended.
Rakes and shovels will be provided, Gillam said.
Each year, West Dundee board members plan three volunteer cleanup events. Others have been scheduled for June and August.
"These volunteer days have become popular with residents," Gillam said. "People take pride in their neighborhoods and enjoy donating time to the village."
Next month, village board members will resume their adopt-a-planter program. Residents are asked to buy perennial and annual flowers and plant them in the 20 planters along the riverwalk.
"It's too soon to plant the annuals now because there still is a threat of frost in our forecast," Gillam said. "People do not want to take the time to plant them only to see them die in a week or two because of the weather."
Earth Day is April 22. It was started in 1970 so people across the country to remind people they are stewards of the planet. Projects are held across the country to commemorate Earth Day.