Nearly 1,900 volunteers across Northumberland County helped remove more than 15,000 kilograms of litter and illegally dumped waste during the 16th annual Mayors’ Keep the County Clean Challenge.
The county-wide cleanup took place from April 20 to 25 in recognition of Earth Day, with residents of all ages helping clean parks, roadsides, trails and public spaces.
Northumberland County Council recognized this year’s challenge winners during its regular meeting Wednesday.
The Township of Alnwick/Haldimand earned first place in the Highest Proportional Representation of Volunteers category, with 5.6 per cent of its population participating. The Township of Hamilton finished second with 3.5 per cent.
Brighton claimed the top spot in the Hardest Working Volunteers category. Participants collected an average of 28 kilograms of litter per volunteer. Trent Hills finished second, with an average of 19.8 kilograms per participant.
The Mayors’ Keep the County Clean Challenge has grown into one of Northumberland’s signature environmental initiatives. Over its 16-year history, more than 35,000 volunteers have taken part, collectively removing more than 250 tonnes, or 550,000 pounds, of litter.
Warden Bob Crate praised the volunteers and municipalities involved, saying the initiative demonstrates what communities can accomplish when they come together with a shared commitment to environmental stewardship and civic pride.
The county says residents can learn more about its environmental initiatives and Climate Action Strategy at Northumberland.ca/ClimateAction.
