Keep it clean

"Soil Lives!" At least it does on Columbus Avenue. How many times have you passed that sign? Parked at the front of the lot of the Service Center, the "Soil Lives!" trailer dwarfs a smaller G.R.E.E.N. Bean Trailer which plays an important role in keeping our community clean. It makes its way throughout the county frequently. I came in contact with the G.R.E.E.N. Bean on a recent Saturday morning when I volunteered at the Bay View Bridge Cleanup. The Trailer and three workers, Emma, Cody and Val, greeted us and unloaded the trailer to equip us for the job. The Bay View Bridge is a favorite of local fishermen, picnickers, hikers, families and others looking for fresh air, sunshine and beautiful bay views. The GB Trailer provided gloves, safety vests, grabbers, and trash bags to get started. I wandered one side of the bridge, grabbing beer and pop cans, napkins, paper bags, paper towels and other debris left behind. Our goal was to scoop up the trash before the wind washed it into the bay. Bay View Mayor Stan Gwinner loaded our full trash bags onto his truck for disposal. Less than an hour later, I had walked on both sides of the bridge and was ready to turn in my equipment. Mission accomplished rather painlessly. Emma Farahay explained that it was still early in the season, and the bridge was pretty clean to begin with. As we move into summer and the crowds increase, so often does the trash even though trash barrels are available on the bridge. If you have some spare time, venture further to the Bait Shop or the two restaurants if you need something. Bay View is a perfect destination. But we need to keep it clean. Can you help? Do you have a Scout troop, a 4-H Club or a group from church that could use a project? The Erie County Soil and Water Conservation District loans the trailer for cleanup and beautification projects. It can be dropped off at your location, or you can pick it up. Call ESWCD at 419-626-5211 for trailer availability and to complete an application. You will also complete a summary of your event upon its conclusion. Not ready to organize an event? Just show up. Follow the District on Facebook for details on upcoming projects. Other options? Erie County Commissioner Dave Waddington also hosts cleanups on many Saturday mornings from May through September. Yesterday the group met at the Jackson Street Pier for a Downtown Water Cleanup. A complete schedule of these "Love Where You Live" cleanups is available on Facebook. Like them on Facebook. Would you rather freewheel it on your own? The Sandusky Library offers Clean-up Kits for check out in cooperation with the Sandusky Soil and Water Conservation District. Library patrons can check out a kit containing two pairs of gloves, two safety vests, two grabbers and several trash bags. Simply present your library card. The Huron Library and Ritter Library in Vermilion also offer kits. Remember, Keep It Clean! In Erie Master Gardener news. Thanks to all who helped make our recent annual plant sale a success. Proceeds support our scholarship program. Also, plan to stop by our booth at the Erie County Fair August 10-15. We would love to talk with you. Until then, Keep It Clean, and see you on the bridge!