By Megan Kelley

Review Writer

Orion Township Parks and Rec is holding their annual Orion Green-Up on April 24 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Alberici Lodge located at Camp Agawam.

This is the fifth year holding the event that encourages residents to come out and do their part to help make the community cleaner.

“The cleanup itself, in general, we just want to clean up Orion. It makes everyone aware that our environment is fragile and every little thing we do is important,” said Parks and Recreation Director Aaron Whatley. “If we all do our part we will live in a clean community.”

Parks and Rec is expected to distribute bags and give volunteers direction as to which sites need attention. Participants are permitted to bring their own tools like rakes, shovels or gloves.

“Most of it is trash pick up but some of it could be invasive species plant removal, or branch removal from the trails, things like that,” Whatley said.

Orion residents who cannot make it to the official Green-Up event are still encouraged to get out and help clean up their neighboring spaces.

“Take ownership of your neighboring area,” Whatley said. “If you live in a subdivision, if you want to do the main right of way along your subdivision road or even within your subdivision, cleaning it up. If you frequently use a sidewalk or a safety path or a trail maybe take an hour of your day on Saturday or throughout the week, bring a trash bag and go clean it up.”

In order to keep up with what locations have been cleaned, if you would like to do clean-up on your own, be sure to let the Parks and Rec department know your plans by calling 248-391-0304 x3500 or via email at parksrec@oriontownship.org.

Orion Green-Up is a day for community members, businesses, homeowners associations, non-profits, students and anyone else interested in volunteering to take time out of their day to give back to the Orion community.