submitted by Andy Zlotnick
On April 26 Boy Scout Troop 222 will assemble Scouts, parents, family and our community friends to attempt the cleanup of Depot Park along the Little Hoosic River in Petersburgh. The clean-up will start about 9 am and run through 1 pm on Saturday, rain or shine. The Troop will need tools like rakes grass whips, wheel barrels and lawn carts. It will need lawn bags and the Town to help remove the unwanted materials that are cleaned up.
This project is a small part of a larger District-wide Scouting attempt to make a difference on Earth Day. The Twin Rivers Council of the Boy Scouts of America and the Mahakin District are completing similar projects from Columbia County all the way to the Canadian Border this year. Thousands of volunteers will be working toward one goal – of leaving the land better than we found it.
Troop 222 will form groups or teams of Scouts and volunteers which will work down the access road, working the right and left of the road, picking up all garbage and cans. The teams will spread out to cover the park area and the playground area. The Troop will separate the cans and recyclables, returning the cans to their regular can recycling at the Redemption Center in Hoosick. The remaining trash and recyclables will be placed in bags for the Town to remove. There are a few larger items that were dumped like a TV and some metal items. They will be brought up to the parking lot for the Town to remove.
“The Troop is looking for community involvement and support with this project. We anticipate that this project may incur some small costs to the Troop and at this time the Troop is expecting to cover the cost but, as with all organizations, we have limited funds to cover this kind of work and would like to invite the public to help with unanticipated costs. The Troop will try to offer a small lunch at the park after the work is complete. We will be providing hot dogs, chips and a large container of flavored drink. If anyone would like to help with food, in kind donations will be acceptable; they just need to let the Troop know by contacting the Scoutmaster Andy Zlotnick at azlotnick_40@yahoo.com or by calling 658-9066.
It is the practice of Troop 222 to give back to the community that has given so much to us. The Troop believes that to be good stewards of our environment and to follow the ideals of The BSA outdoor code the Troop should complete projects of this kind. We ask for your participation and support.