Each spring, after the last snowfall, when the smallest patch of snow melts from the shadiest corner of the lawn, we begin the process of cleaning up the yard. Somehow, everything from a toy truck, to gardening tools, and even a half filled can of beer, begin to appear randomly scattered across the brown patchy grass. We can’t quite recall how it got there, and why we forgot to pick them up last fall, but nevertheless, it isn’t pretty! By May, the work weekends begin and the grass turns greener. After Green Up Day, on May 7th, our lawn as well as everyone else’s in Vermont, begins to sparkle!
Green Up Day is Saturday, May 7th. Our beautiful Green Mountain state is made greener on this day as thousands of volunteers cooperate to get rid of litter on banks, highways, streets and parks in a massive spring clean up. Since 1970, when Governor Deane Davis launched Green Up Day, Vermonters have given a great amount of attention to the health and appearance of our state. The efforts became recognized by the non-profit organization Green Up Vermont, which began in 1979 when concerned citizens took the matter into their own hands.In 2020, the non-profit celebrated its 50th anniversary!!
To enhance the clean up efforts in our downtown area, Montpelier Alive organizes its own version of Green Up Day, distributing bags and supplies for volunteers to focus specifically on beautifying our city streets and parks. Each year, families are seen at every street corner, and under every shrub in town meticulously picking up pieces of trash revealed after the snow’s final melt.
It is truly heartwarming to see so many people caring for their hometown in this way. It is one of the many ways our community members strengthen their bonds with each other and with their place. Green Up Day makes Montpelier stand out among its small town peers, and I have heard comments from tourists mentioning how clean our streets are. This is something to be proud of!
If you’d like to volunteer with Montpelier’s Green Up Day efforts, stop by the Green Up Day stations at the Capital City Farmers Market on Green Up Day between 9am and 1pm or on Langdon Street at the Bike Swap between 8am and 12pm. There, we will have Green Up Day bags and gloves for volunteers.
You can also get bags ahead of time in the City Clerk's Office in City Hall and sign up ahead of time using our online mapping tool at www.montpelieralive.org/greenupmap.
Volunteers can leave their full Green Up Day bags curbside within city limits. The crew from the Montpelier Department of Public Works will pick up the bags of litter after Green Up Day.
Thank you for your help to make Montpelier sparkle!