Rockville Centre hosts rescheduled Smith Pond cleanup for Earth Day

Originally delayed by rain in April, the community event returned in May as volunteers removed more than 15 bags of litter

Posted Friday, May 29, 2026 7:46 am

Community leaders such as Meghan Kearns, from left, Kathleen Kurtis, Donald Clavin III, State Sen. Siela A. Bynoe, Robin Redeker, and Kate DeSantis all volunteered to help clean up Smith Pond on May 16.

Stu Goldman/Herald

Rockville Centre resident Mark Aronowitz carried multiple bags of litter as he joined fellow volunteers in helping clean and preserve Smith Pond during the community’s Earth Day cleanup effort.

Stu Goldman/Herald

Former Town of Hempstead Supervisor and current County Court Judge Donald Clavin worked side-by-side with his son, Donald Clavin III, 13, during the Smith Pond cleanup effort.

Stu Goldman/Herald

Hispanic Brotherhood Program Director Kathleen Kurtis and RVC Civic Association President Meghan Kearns joined forces at Smith Pond, lending their time and energy to the community cleanup effort aimed at keeping the local landmark clean and welcoming for residents.

Stu Goldman/Herald

Standing beside a tree near the edge of Smith Pond, village resident Robin Redeker used a litter picker to collect scattered debris during the cleanup.

Stu Goldman/Herald

Hidden among the trees and brush along Smith Pond, Steven Kurtis dug deep into the cleanup effort — proving no piece of litter was too stubborn or too buried to escape his reach.

Stu Goldman/Herald

By Brian Kacharaba

In observance of Earth Day, Nassau County Legislator Scott M. Davis joined forces with Rockville Centre Mayor Francis X. Murray, New York State Assemblywoman Judy Griffin, and State Sen. Siela A. Bynoe to host a community cleanup at Smith Pond, drawing about 15 volunteers to help restore the area following the event’s postponement due to inclement weather.

Residents, families and local organizations gathered onaround the pond on May 16 to collect litter and debris, filling more than 15 bags of garbage during the cleanup effort. Volunteers included members of the Hispanic Brotherhood, Operation SPLASH, the Rockville Centre Civic Association, the Rockville Centre Conservancy and the Rockville Centre Police Benevolent Association.

The cleanup was originally scheduled for April 26, shortly after Earth Day on April 22, but it was postponed it because of inclement weather. The rescheduled event took place under beautiful sunny skies.

Griffin thanked the volunteers for dedicating part of their weekend to improving the local environment.

“I am so grateful to the individuals, children, families and organizations who joined together to participate in our Earth Day Cleanup at Smith Pond,” Griffin said. “Together, we made a difference and demonstrated why it is essential to nurture and protect our environment and keep our shorelines pristine.”

Bynoe emphasized the importance of environmental responsibility as warmer weather brings more people outdoors.

“As the weather gets warmer, we all want to get out and enjoy the sunshine, but it is important that when we do, we treat our environment with respect,” Bynoe said. “Gathering with the dedicated group on Saturday morning allowed us to do our part in keeping our neighborhoods beautiful.”

Davis said preserving public spaces such as Smith Pond requires a collective community effort.

“Smith Pond is one of Rockville Centre’s most tranquil destinations, and as community stewards, each of us has a role in preserving it for the benefit of our children and for generations to come,” Davis said. “It is always a pleasure to roll up my sleeves alongside my partners in government and so many dedicated volunteers to protect our planet and contribute toward a greener and more sustainable future.”

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