Orland Grassland Volunteers To Host Earth Day Cleanup Event

ORLAND PARK, IL — The Orland Grasslands Volunteers will celebrate Earth Day with a cleanup event.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, April 20 from 9 a.m. to noon, at Orland Grassland Land and Water Reserve, FPCC. Parking is at the parking lot on 167th about 1/4 block west of La Grange. The event takes place across 167th Street at the newly acquired farm and pole barn. Volunteers will be clearing out the creek just east of the barn that is filled with old farm debris. This event is for those 18 years old and older.

"Back in the day when this area was all farmland, there wasn’t a garbage pick-up day," said Pat Hayes, Site Steward. "When we first started volunteering, we cleared out many of the creeks in Orland Grassland that were filled with things like old mattress springs, a refrigerator, car parts. They were the farmers’ personal garbage dump."

Gloves, tools and guidance will be provided. Boots are recommended with socks that cover the ankles, jeans are best and long-sleeved shirts. There will be refreshments and cool water for drinking.

For more information, contact Pat Hayes at 708-220-9596 or ptihys@yahoo.com. Visit the volunteer website at http://www.orlandgrassland.org. Follow the group on Facebook at Orland Grassland Volunteers group.