Over the course of two brisk but sunny days last month, volunteers hit the streets, sloshed through wetlands, combed shorelines, and spruced up parks as part of the Hampton Roads Great American Cleanup. The annual two-day community cleanup is coordinated by askHRgreen.org and clean community coordinators from the 17 cities and counties in Hampton Roads. The regional event has become the official kickoff to an entire season of caring for our local environment.
For a second year, the Hampton Roads Great American Cleanup broke records for volunteer turnout and pounds of litter collected. An astounding 1,400+ volunteers collaborated over March 25-26 to clear more than 63,600 pounds (nearly 32 tons) of litter from our public spaces. Volunteers also planted 264 plants, painted trash cans and structures, mulched playgrounds, pulled invasive weeds, and removed graffiti. The cleanup attracted a diverse group of volunteers including military service members, schools, civic leagues, sororities/fraternities, faith communities, business communities, and more! Small groups of friends and family cleaning up their little corner of Hampton Roads has become especially important since the coronavirus pandemic limited large gatherings. Hampton Roads is a great place to live, work, and play because of these dedicated volunteers and we say “thank you!”
The cleanup season is just getting started and everyone is encouraged to get involved. There is still plenty of work to be done! Upcoming cleanup opportunities include Earth Day on April 22 and Clean the Bay Day on June 4. Year-round community cleanups are also available through the askHRgreen.org Team Up 2 Clean Up program.
