by Rachel Hunter

On April 27 and 28, the St. Lawrence County Youth Bureau invites adults and youth to join them for a weekend of walking and picking up roadside trash. Residents will register and select one of five county locations. Walkers meet on Saturday, April 27, at Mills Park (Johnstown St.) in Gouverneur at 9 a.m. Other locations include Rensselaer Falls, Potsdam at 9 a.m. on Saturday, or in Massena and Ogdensburg on Sunday at 1 p.m.

Each year, the Youth Bureau schedules its Trash Dash close to, or on, Earth Day. This year, EARTHDAY.ORG commits to end plastics for the sake of human and planetary health, demanding a 60% reduction in the production of all plastics by 2040. More information, on plastic reduction, can be found on their website.

“This is a great opportunity to make a personal contribution to a cleaner environment, especially within our local communities. Our teens appreciate having service projects especially ones that are environmentally friendly and fosters civic pride. This also creates connectedness with individuals of all ages who are coming together for a good cause,” said Alexa Backus Chase, Youth Bureau Director.

Last year approximately 87 youth registered to attend which included several organizations such as Gouverneur High School’s Honor Society, PAL of Massena, Ogdensburg Key Club, Reality Check, Massena Interact Club, Lisbon Interact Club, NNCS Science Honor Society, and Heuvelton Boy Scout Troop 9.

“Trash Dashers” picked up over 1100 pounds of garbage from all five locations.

Adults, families, teens, and organization teams are welcome to participate. Email RZuhlsdorf@stlawco.gov to register or call 315.379.9464 with questions. Registration deadline is Tuesday, April 23. Parking and specific site locations can be found when registering online. Mandatory safety training is offered the day of the event.