Organizations throughout the Mystic River Watershed came together to organize Earth Day related events on Saturday, April 21st and 28th, including clean-ups, trail clearings, and plantings. This successful day allowed many volunteers to help revitalize their communities - thanks to all who participated!
Event Details:
Malden
75 volunteers helped clean-up the Malden River Walk, Plaza 188 riverfront trail, and Northern Strand Community Trail areas along the Malden River on both Canal Street and Commercial Street in Malden. In total, the volunteers in the area removed more than 100 bags of trash, brush, and other debris from the area. A group of Malden Youth from the Wah Lum Kung Fu Center and Youth A.C.T. also painted wayfinding signs at the entrance to the Plaza 188 Trail and planted native shrubs at the entrances to the Plaza 188 riverfront trail and Northern Strand Community Trail. At the end of the event, the Malden Department of Public Works disposed of the trash, enough to fill 4 dump trucks. The event was organized by Tri-City Community Action Program, Inc. (Tri-CAP), Bike to the Sea, Groundwork Somerville, and Cambridge Health.
Medford
Medford's Earth Day Celebration and Medford Square Cleanup
Mayor McGlynn and members of the Medford Energy Committee attended the Earth Day celebration and Medford Square Cleanup on Saturday April 28th. At the event the Mayor announced the creation of the Green Awards program which is being co-sponsored by the Medford Energy Committee and the Chamber of Commerce. The Green Awards is a program to recognize businesses (non-profits included) and residents who have implemented energy efficient and environmentally friendly initiatives. The application can be found at www.medford.org/greenawards. We are accepting applications until June 29, 2012. If you have any questions contact Carey Duques 781-393-2137 or cduques@medford.org.
The Medford Square Cleanup was a huge success. Over 100 in attendance, including about 85 volunteers that participated in the cleanup, picking up trash and debris from various places around the Square, and planting the flowers in the large pots located along Riverside Avenue. Xtreme Ninja Martial Arts & Fitness Center had a large presence at the cleanup with over 30 students and parents helping with activities throughout the morning. Community service projects are a large part of Xtreme Ninja's curriculum and core values and students are taught the importance of giving back selflessly. One of the areas that was cleaned up was a municipal parking lot located off of Salem Street in Medford Square. The group filled approximately 10 bags with trash and debris that was removed from the lot.
Friends of the Mystic River held its 17th Annual Mystic River Spring Cleanup on April 28. Seventy volunteers, ranging in age from Boy and Girl Scouts to senior citizens, picked up trash at Mystic Riverbend Park, MacDonald Park, the Condon Shell Park, and adjacent to the river along Mystic Valley Parkway and Auburn Street in Medford.
Somerville
Groundwork Somerville's Earth Day Farm RaisingIn Somerville, over 50 volunteers including Mayor Joe Curtatone turned out to help Groundwork Somerville and Green City Growers build Somerville's first farm. The Groundwork Somerville Green Team built 13 raised beds, and volunteers filled them with soil and planted melons, lettuce and 12 other vegetables. The group also removed invasives species and prepared existing soil for perennials to be planted later in the month. The Green Team will be maintaining the farm throughout the summer and fall, and the public is welcome anytime to visit this unique site.
MyRWA and Gentle Giant Rowing Club had over 50 volunteers remove trash from the banks of the Mystic River at Assembly Row. A special thanks to Somerville's Boy Scout Troop #3 and MA Department of Conservation and Recreation. View MyRWA's photos here.
