Litter cleanup events are coming to several municipalities across the Alle-Kiski Valley to celebrate Earth Day.
On April 25, a cleanup and planting along New Kensington and Arnold’s downtown corridor is meant to “brighten” the area and promote outdoor appreciation, said event organizer Jessica Salerno.
“I want everyone to reconnect with nature,” said Salerno, who owns local holistic shop Saging Space. “(I want) everyone out there to get their hands together and get down to what Earth Day is about.”
She also hopes to plant native flora and to cover bare tree roots with soil along New Kensington’s Fourth and Fifth Avenues.
She said she is looking for a local florist to help identify what plant species to put in box planters along the cleanup area.
The event, which will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., is taking volunteer sign-ups through a Google form, but people can also join the day of the cleanup.
Hot dogs, snacks and water will be provided. Early sign-ups will help Salerno to prepare to have enough refreshments.
The cleanup already has about 60 volunteers, Salerno said.
Arnold Recreation Committee President Lori Hernandez said Earth Day is a great time to get involved in neighborhood beautification.
“We’ve got to save the Earth (and) keep it clean for the next generation,” Hernandez said. “I’m hoping it becomes a trend. I’m hoping residents come out and keep their space clean.”
She said the city, in partnership with nonprofit Voices of Westmoreland, hosts trash cleanups every three months, though it hasn’t held one since the start of winter because of the harsh weather.
During the Earth Day cleanup, informational resources will be available, including information on city recycling guidelines and gardening tips.
Salerno said event supplies, including gloves, trash bags, vests and all refreshments were funded by local organizations within two weeks of her announcing the event in February, though she is still seeking soil donations.
“It’s just very community driven,” Salerno said. “This is truly just a dream come true.”
Across the Allegheny
An Earth Day cleanup hosted by Harrison, Brackenridge and Tarentum is seeking volunteers from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 18.
Litter will be collected from roads, parks and other public thoroughfares.
Vests, garbage bags and gloves will be provided.
Harrison Commissioner Gary Meanor encouraged volunteers to bring their friends and family — and their community spirit. He said the initiative is a chance to connect with neighbors and make a visible impact.
Brackenridge Councilman Dino Lopreiato said “every little bit adds up.”
“It makes a big difference when everyone pitches in,” he said.
• In Tarentum, the effort is sponsored by the borough’s environmental action committee, led by Jim Bonner.
Bonner said lunch will be served to volunteers from all three communities at the pavilion in Riverview Memorial Park.
Tarentum residents should meet at the park. For more information, email jbonner1120@gmail.com.
• In Harrison, people will meet at the township building, 1 Municipal Drive.
For more information, email gmeanor@harrisontwp-pa.gov.
• In Brackenridge, people will meet at the pavilion at the borough’s park along First Avenue.
For details, call 724-224-0800.
Earth Day was first celebrated by 20 million Americans in 1970. It was partially inspired by Springdale native and environmental scientist Rachel Carson’s expose “Silent Spring,” which outlined the harms of pesticide use and helped to heighten environmental consciousness in the country.
The day, though not recognized as a federal holiday, happens on April 22 and is now celebrated worldwide by more than 1 billion people, according to History.com.