Call for a FREE Join the Waterways Clean-up Effort on Weston Volunteer Day

WITH WESTON SITTING perched on the edge of the Everglades, the health of the “river of grass” is vitally important to our ecosystem. That’s why local residents are encouraged to take part in a waterway clean-up effort. City of Weston Volunteer Day at Markham Park will take place on Saturday, December 3rd from 9am to 1pm.

Park Naturalist and Volunteer Coordinator Sara Jarossy says all ages are invited to participate in this event, helping clean-up the park’s canals and lakes, as well as picnic shelters, nature trails, disc golf courses and other recreational areas.

“This is the perfect opportunity for families to come out and explore Markham Park and all that we have to offer,” said Jarossy. “One of our main focuses will be picking up all the little pieces of confetti, foil and strings that litter our park. These can easily get into the waterways, where they can be mistaken for food by wildlife. Additionally, the trash and pollution in our waterways can directly impact the health of our communities by affecting our drinking water.”

Commissioner Mary Molina-Macfie is hoping for a huge turnout. She and her friend, Weston resident Pam Driscoll, often participate in beach clean-up days together and thought it would be a great idea to do an event closer to home.

“We considered how beneficial this would be for Weston residents by promoting an event encouraging families and neighbors to work together while our children experienced the gratification and education of the end result: the protection of our wildlife, our water and our environment,” said Commissioner Molina-Macfie. “Any activity that we can accomplish as a community, which protects our environment, while bringing families more time together, is a positive one for everyone.”

In addition to the clean-up effort, there will be an educational component to this event. Jarossy says participants can visit booths promoting water conservation, explaining proper ways to fertilize and suggesting native plants for landscaping.

Weston Volunteer Day is a family-friendly event. Children under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult. High school students can earn community service hours. Volunteers are advised to dress appropriately with sturdy shoes, hat and work gloves, apply sunscreen and bug spray, and bring a bottle of water. The park will supply buckets and trash bags for trash collection.

Pre-registration is required and is capped at 1,000 volunteers. To sign up visit www.handsonbroward.org/opportunity/a0C8Z00000gXAYlUAO/ city-of-weston-family-volunteer-day