Middleridge Neighbors Make Clean Sweep!

By Jerry Reynolds

Forty-seven of our Middleridge neighbors and friends turned out on a mild overcast Saturday morning, November 20^th, to clean up the community in which we live.  With supplies and inspiration provided by the Clean Fairfax Council and perspiration provided by all of us amateur ecologists, we made a clean sweep of the five entrances, Middleridge Park, the stream which passes through it, and the dam, shoreline, and access road into Woodglen Lake.  As our local contribution to “The Great American Cleanup,” we removed cans, bottles, bags, and other litter from our streets, streams, and common areas.  This not only gives Middleridge cleaner “curb appeal,” but significantly reduces the amount of trash that eventually moves down this important watershed into the Chesapeake Bay.  A special thanks to Brownie Girl Scout Troop 1731 and Junior Girl Scout Troop 511 who contributed half of the workforce and much of the energy.  Before the cleanup, the Girl Scouts also enjoyed a special presentation on protecting our natural environment and watershed by Natalie Gilliom, a student at George Mason University.  Thanks to the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District for loaning us their dynamic “Enviroscape.”   Once again with the Middleridge Fall Clean Up, we proved that many hands make light work.  We all enjoyed the fresh air, exercise, good fellowship, and community service.  It didn’t take long, made us feel good, and really spruced up our neighborhood.  When we do this again in March 2005, we hope you’ll join us for a guaranteed pick up.  Until then, when it comes to litter in our community . . . please pitch in every day!

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List of Participants