Niagara Glen needs tidying

Spring cleaning doesn’t just happen at home — nature could use a little help tidying up too.

The Niagara Glen, one of Niagara’s favourite hiking spots, is hosting its second annual spring cleanup on April 28.

 “It’s nice to see people take ownership of this beautiful natural heritage site we have in our own back yard,” says Niagara Parks Commission manager of education and public programming Heather Gorman.

“It’s a community partnership,” Gorman says, explaining that many community groups have been invited, including Girl Guides, Boy Scouts, and various other clubs. Residents are also encouraged to come out and help. “It’s a nice, casual day just to get people out,” she says.

“Show up at or around 10 a.m., and we’ll provide garbage bags, recycling bags, and gloves,” Gorman says. “Come back up with a bag of garbage, and we’ll provide a lunch — hamburger, hot dog or veggie burger, a bag of chips and a pop.”

Last year the event saw about 100 participants, says Gorman, all of whom collected “a truckload of garbage.” Generally people picked up “water bottles, Gatorade bottles, wrappers — typical hiking stuff,” she says.

Registration is capped at 200 for the sake of the small staff working the event, so it is strongly recommended to visit eventbrite.com and register. “We’re pretty impressed with the response we’ve gotten so far,” says Gorman.

It’s recommended people bring their own refillable water bottle, and use the available refill station. As Gorman says, “We ask that people leave only footsteps, and take only photos.”

Dressing according to the weather and wearing appropriate footwear are also recommended.

The clean-up runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and starts at 3050 Niagara River Pkwy.

Cutline: This was the haul from last spring’s glen cleanup. (Photo supplied)