Millville mom organizing litter cleanup campaign

BLACKSTONE – Litter is not something that goes away by itself and one local volunteer with Blackstone Heritage Corridor, Inc.’s (BHC) Volunteers-inParks program has been inspired by her daughter’s desire to make some change in her community.

Pamela Maloney of Millville, a mother of two young girls, has organized a series of Trash Responsibly events and activities geared toward children that include litter cleanups and learning about the connection between their activities and the world they live in.

Geared toward youth, these Trash Responsibly events will also be supported by BHC’s GearHeads program which encourages kids to explore, discover and protect the resources of the National Heritage Corridor. Those who put their discovery into action can be awarded a Junior Ranger badge through a program BHC operates in partnership with the National Park Service.

Teaching kids how litter affects the beauty of one’s community and the quality of local water supplies will have positive impacts now and into the future by engaging the younger participants with their communities. Over the next several months, Maloney will focus on topics such as recycling and properly sorting trash, composting and making better choices when consuming and purchasing products. BHC’s Trash Responsibly program supports volunteers by providing a variety of opportunities to improve local communities through activities such as hosting trash pickups, cleaning storm drains and installing storm drain markers. BHC will supply much of the equipment and tools to ensure a safe and successful experience for these volunteers.

The first youth-based Trash Responsibly event is Tuesday, July 25 at 5:30 p.m. and will meet at the Blackstone Public Library, 86 Main St. The group will start out with a guest speaker before heading out to make a difference. Devon Kurtz, BHC’s Director of Audience Engagement, and Bonnie Combs, BHC’s marketing director and manager of its Trash Responsibly program, will be on hand for the kickoff. According to Kurtz, this activity qualifies participating youth to receive the National Park Service Junior Ranger badge.

This is an all-ages activity. Kids will team up in groups with an adult and litter will be sorted throughout the cleanup. BHC is working with Maloney to be sure that the trash and recycling materials collected are trashed responsibly.

Future events are being planned monthly through the calendar year. Dates and locations will be made available through BHC’s website or by calling the office at 508-234-4242.

BHC’s Volunteers-in-Parks protect and promote the National Heritage Corridor’s resources in a variety of ways. Some lead walks to discover the wide range of birds in the area, others lead trail hikes, and still others lead bike rides along the Blackstone River Bikeway.

“There are many ways to support the natural, historical, cultural and recreational resources of the Blackstone Heritage Corridor,” noted Suzanne Buchanan, BHC’s Volunteer Coordinator. “In all cases, these volunteers willingly share their knowledge and passion to help others understand and appreciate their surroundings. While many activities are geared toward adults, it’s important to help kids realize that they can make a positive impact on the world around them. Sometimes they just need a little assistance from adults to orchestrate it.”