Aspinwall’s Green Streets doubles impact with high school partnership
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Leaders of an annual Aspinwall cleanup are expecting to toss even more trash from town roads and green spaces after solidifying a partnership with the Fox Chapel Area environmental club.
Andy Collins, vice president of the nonprofit host Aspinwall Neighbors, said the event is growing at a rapid pace heading into its 13th year. Recruiting help from high school students will double the number of do-gooders to about 100 and also help educate the next generation on the importance of sustainability.
“This event is a great way to get people aware of their responsibility to their community,” Collins said. “It’s been apparent that people have taken more ownership in the last few years and that pride tends to continue throughout the year.”
This year’s event is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 26.
Anyone interested can register online at aspinwallneighbors.org. Vests and gloves will be provided.
The clean-up is a way to show pride in the tree-lined community by making sure it shines, officials said.
Alina Minturn, president of the high school’s environmental club, said members love the chance for students to become involved in local efforts.
“Students are able to give back to their neighborhood and see their hard work pay off,” Minturn said. “Our club is incredibly proud to partner with them. Helping the environment is our top priority.
“Through Green Streets, students are able to take their belief in our message back to their own homes.”
Fox Chapel Area graduate Emmett Gillespie said the event is a win-win, for the environment and the neighborhood.
Junior Victor Burkardt agreed, adding that it’s also a chance to do good with friends.
“Small things like this can really make an impact on the people around you,” Burkardt said.
Green Streets began with a small crew of volunteers who plucked pop cans and fast-food wrappers from the sidewalks. An increasing number of people have joined the clean-up, gathering up to 70 bags of trash each year, Collins said.
The strangest finds come near the Aspinwall ball fields which abut Route 28, Collins said. Behind the fences and below the highway on-ramp, people dump a lot of car parts, he said.
Every pair of hands makes a difference, Neighbors President Sarah Shaffer said.
“There are so many families who participate each year,” Shaffer said. “I particularly love the enthusiasm of our youngest volunteers and watching them grow up as stewards of their environment and community.”
Small crews of people will set out with trash bags to parks, streets and alleys. New this year will be efforts at Allegheny RiverTrail Park to make sure the expansive space is ready for spring.
Special attention will also be paid to the Alley A rain garden, which was recently redesigned. Volunteers can sign up to spend their morning weeding and prepping the garden area.
Shaffer lauded the event for drawing volunteers of all ages.
“They exemplify what it means to take pride in your community and personal responsibility for the environment,” she said.