Dozens of volunteers spread across four local parks on May 3 to collect litter, clear debris and spruce up public green spaces as part of a rescheduled Earth Day community cleanup in Baldwin and Freeport.
Hosted by State Assemblywoman Judy Griffin, State Sen. Siela Bynoe and Nassau County Legislators Debra Mulé and Scott Davis, the effort brought residents, students and civic groups together at Milburn Creek Park, Brookside Preserve, Silver Lake Park and Lofts Pond Park.
By the end of the day, volunteers had collected more than 58 bags of garbage along with several bulk items, organizers said.
Participants included members of Girl Scouts of Nassau County’s Freeport service unit, Boy Scout Troop 182, The Green Army, South Shore Conservation Society, Eco Rotaract Long Island, Freeport-Merrick Rotary and Sanitary District No. 2. Students from Baldwin High School’s Key Club and Freeport High School’s Student Government, Honor Society and ROTC also took part.
Griffin said the turnout reflected the community’s commitment to preserving local parks and waterways.
“I am so grateful to the individuals, children, families, Boy Scouts, and local organizations who joined together to participate in our Earth Day Cleanups at the various sites across Baldwin and Freeport,” Griffin said. “Together, we made a difference and demonstrated why it is essential to preserve our natural resources and keep our community pristine.”
Mulé said the cleanup series has become a successful example of residents working alongside elected officials to maintain Baldwin’s natural resources.
“I am glad that the community responded so enthusiastically to our Baldwin community cleanups — it is their dedication and hard work that made this series such a great success,” she said.
Bynoe called the parks “the heart of our community,” noting that beautification efforts help ensure they remain safe and welcoming gathering spaces.
Davis also praised the many student volunteers who spent part of their Saturday collecting trash and assisting with cleanup efforts.
Organizers said the event was intended not only to mark Earth Day, but also to encourage continued stewardship of neighborhood parks throughout the year.
