AmeriCorps members from Tucker and Randolph counties lend a hand to clean up the Allegheny Highlands Trail Tuesday in conjunction with the Parsons Spring Clean Up. AmeriCorps members include Sydney Haltom, Emma Donovan, Emily Wilson-Hauger and daughter Kat, Emily Stefenson and Scott Prouty.
HENDRICKS – Tuesday was a delightful spring day and local AmeriCorps members took advantage of the pretty weather as they helped clear debris from the Allegheny Highlands Trail as it winds from Hendricks to Hambleton. AmeriCorps member Sydney Haltom, who works with Parsons PRO/ON TRAC, said Tuesday was a beautiful day to be on the trail.
“Most of the AmeriCorps members serving here are from outside West Virginia,” Haltom said. “I think we all feel extremely lucky to be able to enjoy the beautiful landscape of Tucker County. I spend a lot of time on the trail – I love the sense of timelessness there, with the river on one side and the hillside on the other.”
Haltom said she was not happy about the litter scattered on the trail.
“Seeing the garbage that has been tossed from the road is a jolt that detracts from the natural beauty of the area,” Haltom said. “We can do something about it! The trail clean-up was such a simple way to make a better experience for everyone here who loves the outdoors.”
Haltom said when all was said and done, the group had collected more than a dozen thirty-gallon trash bags filled with debris. In addition to the trash, the group also found cans, bottles, car parts, a kiddie pool and a deer call.
In addition to the AmeriCorps members, local youth groups also joined in the clean-up efforts. The clean-up was slated from April 19 to 25, and the City of Parsons provided those helping with the clean-up with gloves, trash bags, vests and extension pickers. Service learning hours were provided for those who helped clean up the area.
