CleanScapes: Empowering people to steward the environment
Clinton & Lycoming Counties | I-80 Frontier of the Pennsylvania Wilds
By LaKeshia Knarr
2,439,340 pounds of trash.
13,415 tires.
49,245 pounds of metal.
That’s how much man-made debris has been removed from the natural environment by CleanScapes volunteers over the past 20 years.
A nonprofit organization and Keep PA Beautiful affiliate, CleanScapes has organized nearly 130 cleanup events and mobilized 4,680 volunteers to clean up waterways and landscapes of North Central Pennsylvania since 2000. Their goal is to restore natural beauty and prevent future littering.
But CleanScapes is not your ordinary litter pick-up crew. CleanScapes volunteers tackle some of the toughest litter sites, from illegal dumpsites on mountainsides to floodplain debris along and inside riverbeds.
Although those numbers are indeed tremendous, Project Director Elisabeth Lynch would confirm that the work is accomplished in short bursts by many hands. She is also proud that fewer sites are being reported and that debris appears aged and weathered.
Lynch, who has served as project director since 2004, plays a key role in identifying and spearheading projects, as well as administering programming. Each year, she coordinates 4-6 cleanup events between March and early November, coalescing various groups around the effort — including municipal officials, the private sector, foundations and nonprofits, individuals in need of community service hours, Boy Scouts, and more.
Lynch, who has served as project director since 2004, plays a key role in identifying and spearheading projects, as well as administering programming. Each year, she coordinates 4-6 cleanup events between March and early November, coalescing various groups around the effort — including municipal officials, the private sector, foundations and nonprofits, individuals in need of community service hours, Boy Scouts, and more.
Sites are carefully selected. And Lynch is well versed in ensuring there are enough volunteers for a site. A typical cleanup involves anywhere from 20 to 50 volunteers coming together. In a matter of just about 2 hours, it’s not uncommon for 1-2 tons of trash to be collected. Supplies are provided, and participants are treated to lunch. It’s all very systematic after all these years.
The admirable and ongoing work of CleanScapes was recognized in 2019 when the nonprofit earned the Champion of the PA Wilds Conservation Stewardship Award for an Organization.
Lynch has one simple appeal to people looking for ways to help the environment, “Nature needs you and so do we.”
*Photos used in this article were taken by Dr. John Reid, president of the CleanScapes Board of Directors and professor at Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania.
TIMELY TIP
This year, CleanScapes is celebrating its 20th anniversary by hosting the Bald Eagle Valley Trail Fest on March 28. This event will feature a timed 5k fun run/walk on the new Bald Eagle Valley Trail in Castanea (Lock Haven), a baking competition, nonprofit exhibitors and more.
Learn more: https://cleanscapes-ncpa.com/bald-eagle-valley-trail-fest/
*Photos used in this article were provided by Dr. John Reid, president of the CleanScapes Board of Directors.
