Lombard celebrates Earth Day

It's spring cleaning time in Lombard.

The village is providing the garbage bags and garden gloves, the residents are contributing the elbow grease and the goal is a spiffed-up, spruced-up Lombard ready to put on its best face for Lilac Time.

"The Lombard Pride cleanup day is a wonderful opportunity for people from all aspects of the community to get together and show their Lombard pride," Village President Bill Mueller said.

The cleanup takes place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 24, at parks, schools and other spots around the village.

Simultaneously, the village is sponsoring the annual all-volunteer cleanup of the Illinois Prairie Path and Great Western Trail. Volunteers are needed to join in the trail cleanup starting at 9 a.m. Saturday. Bring work gloves and dress for the weather.

Dave Gorman, Lombard's assistant director of public works, is coordinating the cleanup of the Great Western Trail and Prairie Path.

"We appreciate the continued support from the village of Lombard with coordination of the cleanup of the very busy section of the Great Western Trail in Lombard," said Don Kirchenberg of the Friends of the Great Western Trails. The Friends' goal this year is to clean all the trails, including both sections of the Great Western Trail.

Lombard Pride Day is a 20-year-tradition in anticipation of all the visitors coming to Lombard for Lilac Time.

Residents who'd like to pitch in but haven't signed up yet can call Joelyn M. Kott, communications coordinator for the village, at (630) 620-5718.

"We can put them with a larger group or, if it's a family, give (them their own location)," Kott said.

Two of the larger organized efforts are at Park View Elementary School and the playground at Madison Meadow Park.

All cleanup efforts take place rain or shine.