Earth Day planting set for Saturday in West Dundee

Easter, not the weather, is to blame for West Dundee getting a late start on its annual Earth Day planting and clean up party.

Volunteers will gather on from 9 a.m. until noon on Saturday, April 26, at the village hall, 102 S. Second St., to plant more rose bushes along Second Street.

"We've had quite a few comments from people who like the roses in the planters along the street," said Becky Gillam, volunteer co-coordinator. "They like the color the roses add to the street."

If a large crowd of volunteers show up for the planting party, some will be asked to pull weeds and pick up trash along the walk on the banks of the Fox River.

Since 2010, West Dundee trustees have hosted the planting and cleanup gatherings to commemorate Earth Day. This year, the national celebration was April 22 and Easter was April 20. To ensure as many volunteers are available, coordinators opted to be a few days late.

"We can accomplish a lot with the right number of volunteers," Gillam said. "So far, we have been contacted by a (Boy) Scout group and the National Honor Society from Dundee-Crown (High School)."

Other area residents, no doubt, will volunteer as well, said Kim Tibbetts, another coordinator.

"If we can get 10-20 people to volunteer, we'll be fine," Tibbetts.

The spring planting party is one of three West Dundee officials have planned this year. Others are scheduled for June 21 and Aug. 16.

"This year, we are concentrating our efforts on different areas. Instead of having volunteers working in different locations, they will be working closer together," Gillam said.

In the four years the annual planting parties have been held, a small mountain of discarded candy wrappers, empty soda bottles and cigarette packs have been picked up. Shrubs have been trimmed, weeds have been pulled and mulch has been put down and spread along the river walk.

"This gives residents an opportunity to get involved and claim ownership of the public spaces they enjoy," Tibbetts said.

Groups and individuals who want to volunteers, should call Tibbetts at the West Dundee village hall at (847) 551-3800. On the day of the party, volunteers are urged to wear old, comfortable clothing and shoes. Also, they are asked to bring work gloves and gardening tools.

East Dundee has no plans for Earth Day activities.