SPRUCE UP MOTHER NATURE THIS WEEKEND WITH CARY MAYOR, TOWN COUNCIL AT CARY ’S SPRING LITTER SWEEP

Weekend marks the launch of “Spruce -- Keeping Cary Clean and Forever Green”

CARY, NC – Cary Mayor Harold Weinbrecht is inviting the community to join the Cary Town Council in launching Spruce, Cary’s new litter reduction and beautification program – this Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Town’s Annual Spring Litter Sweep from 9 a.m. until noon at sites throughout Cary.  Interested volunteers should sign up by Thursday May 7, 2009 , by calling (919) 469-4301 or e-mailing heather.morell@townofcary.org.  Upon registration, participants will receive their designated pick-up location; safety vests, gloves, trash and recycling bags will be provided on the day of the event.  Spruce is a volunteer-based initiative that was created at the direction of the Cary Town Council to link citizens and groups to environmentally-focused community service projects in Cary . 

“At the Town of Cary , we are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for our citizens through programs that unite and help beautify our community,” said Cary Mayor Harold Weinbrecht.  “Individuals, civic groups, neighborhood associations, churches, businesses and schools are invited to join us as we launch Spruce and other activities to keep our community clean and forever green.”

Citizens are also invited to participate in other exciting Spruce events during May, including the Household Hazardous Waste Collection, the Compost Giveaway and the Compost and Vermicomposting Workshop.

Also on Saturday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., the Town is hosting a Household Hazardous Waste Collection in collaboration with Wake County to provide Wake County residents a safe and convenient way to dispose of old electronics, paint, automotive fluids, garden chemicals and spent florescent lights. The collection will occur at the Town’s Garmon Operations Center , 400 James Jackson Ave.   View a complete list of accepted items.

On May 16, get your gardens ready for the growing season with free compost.  The giveaway will be held at the Town’s Garmon Operations Center , 400 James Jackson Ave , from 9 a.m.   until 2 p.m. (or until supplies run out). The Town has partnered with its yard waste composter, McGill Environmental, to give away up to a yard of free compost to Cary residents only.  Identification will be required, and commercial interests are not allowed.  Also on May 18 from 7 p.m. until 8 p.m. , citizens can learn how to start composting and vermicomposting at a free workshop at Bond Park. 

The goals of Spruce include:

•           Reducing litter along roadways in Cary

•           Enhancing the environmental quality and beauty of Cary ’s roadsides

•           Building broad-based community support for anti-litter and beautification programs

In case of rain, Saturday’s litter sweep will be rescheduled for May 16.

For more about the Town of Cary ’s volunteer opportunities and/or environmental efforts, visit www.townofcary.org.

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