Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District sets Earth Day Cleanup Challenge

NEW PHILADELPHIA – Earth Day is April 22, 2021, and the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) is celebrating with an Earth Day Cleanup Challenge.

Walkers, hikers and boaters are encouraged to grab a pair of gloves and a trash bag to pick up litter between Saturday, April 17, and Sunday, April 25. Post photos of your cleanup to an MWCD Facebook or Instagram page using #MWCDEarthDay2021 and be entered into a drawing for a cooler filled with prizes and gift certificates.

Plus, join an organized cleanup at one of our lakes to earn a coupon for a night of free camping! (One coupon per household.) The first cleanup will take place on April 17, 2021, at Charles Mill, Pleasant Hill and Seneca Lakes. The second is on April 24 at Atwood, Clendening, Piedmont and Tappan Lakes. The Cleanup Challenge is a great opportunity for groups to help with community projects and service. For groups wishing to participate, please contact Ethan Zucal at 330-556-4814 or ezucal@mwcd.org. Cleanup details for each lake are available at MWCD.org.

“Keeping our waterways tangle-free ensures healthier wildlife habitats, increases water quality, and prevents injuries and potential accidents,” said Ethan Zucal, MWCD Engagement and Outreach coordinator.

Efforts to decrease litter at MWCD lakes goes beyond Earth Day. A larger, more encompassing litter program is to come, and by April 22, visitors will find fishing line disposal bins located at MWCD lakes and parks. MWCD rangers, park- and marina staff have been working hard over the last few weeks assembling disposal bins uniquely designed to collect fishing line only. A total of 35 bins will be strategically installed at high-volume fishing areas throughout the district, providing an easy and convenient way for fishermen and woman to discard old, excess or severed fishing line. This new initiative is one example of MWCD’s efforts to engage our visitors and mitigate a fraction of the overall litter issue found at MWCD lakes and parks.

“The fishing line disposal bins are a simple way for fishermen and women to discard line that can no longer be used, rather than dropping it in the lakes or leaving it on the shoreline,” Zucal said.