The second annual joint clean up of Mill Creek Ravine Park organized by Bonnie Doon and Strathcona Community Leagues was a great success again this year. Organizer Astrid Blodgett estimates the number of residents who gathered on May 3 was double what she saw last year.
Litter pickers of all ages were on hand to don purple gloves and clean the beloved “emerald gem” embedded near the heart of our city.
Dignitaries including: MP Linda Duncan, MLA Rachel Notley and City Councillor Ben Henderson joined in the dirty fun and were found scouring the bush ready to collect anything from large old tabletops to broken pieces of glass.
Early clean-up statistics reflect the hard work and dedication of all the volunteers who gave a few hours of their time to make an amazing difference in the cleanliness of the creek.
So far, the clean-up tally for Mill Creek including Bonnie Doon, Strathcona, King Edward Park, Avonmore and Hazeldean is: 147 bags of litter, five bicycles, 10 shopping carts, miscellaneous pieces of metal and construction waste as well as bedding, tents and clothing and many syringes including an unused box found under the Whyte Avenue overpass.
Many thanks to the officers on bicycle who disposed of the syringes and helped provide hamburgers. Also, a sincere thank you to Wild Earth Bakery and Cafe for donating hot dogs again this year.
Special thanks to Astrid Blodgett and Herb Taylor who provided the organization, fresh water and roasting equipment.
Blodgett says next year’s plans included refreshing popsicles to help cool off and reward the hard working volunteers!
Special mention also to the “Keepers of Mill Creek” who provided volunteers and coveted “I’m a Keeper,” t-shirts for prizes.
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Ready, set, let's pick litter!
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Finding wildlife - Ug, the Panda
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