Register now for March 12 Keep It Clean Spring Fling

The second annual Keep It Clean Spring Fling is set for March 12 as the Pike County Extension and Pick Up Pike work together with local citizens to fight against litter along local roadways. The 2021 clean up had 25 volunteers, 480 pounds of collected litter, and four miles of litter-free Pike County roads. 

“Trash and litter on the roadsides not only reflects negatively on the community and businesses throughout Pike County but also pollutes our community’s waterways,” said Brooklyn Wassel, UGA extension agent. “Be sure to register for this year’s event by completing the online registration by scanning the QR code with a smart phone camera or by filling out a paper form available through the Pike County Extension office no later than March 4 to receive a volunteer t-shirt. “Keeping these roadways clean is a constant battle, and it’s time to take action. You may already be familiar with our community organization, Pick Up Pike, that works to keep our roadsides and county litter free. This spring the UGA Pike County Extension office is collaborating with PUP to host a Spring Cleanup Event aiming to jumpstart community cleanup efforts and keep our roads beautiful. During this event we hope to bring together community members with a common goal and get boots on the ground to combat this problem.”

All volunteers must register through the Extension office by March 4 so that volunteers can be assigned groups and designated roads to keep the cleanup as safe as possible for everyone. The event is supported by a Georgia EPD Seed Grant. 

“Be sure to keep accidental litter to a minimum by securing all loads headed for the transfer station or rogue trash riding in the bed of the truck. It’s a great idea to give back to others and the community by picking up litter on roadsides and in our parks by going for a walk with the necessary tools. You can even organize a group utilizing the Pick Up Pike Facebook group page,” said Wassel. “This year’s event is set to be bigger and better than our last, and we cannot wait to see Pike County in action again as we fight against litter and pollution in our community. Together, we will continue to make a difference.”