Half-Time (but Never Intermission) for Weston’s Earth Month

High School Clean-Up (photo credit FB page Annual Clean-Up)

Weston is almost halfway through its Earth Month, and there is much more to come. Let’s see where we are, and what’s coming next.

Annual Town Clean-Up Week (April 11-18) is still going on. Amazing volunteers have picked up the trash at the high school, on their streets, and along public roadways and parks. Participants have ranged in age from toddlers to high school to some COA seniors. Photos can be shared on the Clean-Up FB page. Clean up your mile — Weston thanks you for it.

One of our youngest volunteers (age 4) Photo credit: WCCA

Thank you to all those who have cleanup so far, and to those who shall soon clean. If anyone has a nose plug, long rubber gloves and a double smell-proof bag, Cat Rock Park longs for love.

[Edited April 16: POSTPONED to May 2] What’s coming up this weekend you ask the Owl? Annihilation, that’s what. The target is garlic mustard, the most pervasive of invasives–on the Owl’s soccer-related flap around the high school and middle school campus yesterday, massive outbreaks along Wellesley Street and the soccer fields were noted. It’s growing season for those hopeful little plants, and it’s time to pull them before they flower and spread even more.

Photo credit; Granby Drummer

On Sunday May 2 at 1 pm, Weston Forest & Trail Association and Weston Conservation are hosting a quick tutorial on garlic mustard in one of its favorite spots–in front of Town Hall. Participants will learn to identify the plant, carefully pull it and dispose of it. Don’t throw it in the compost; give it to the chickens. Yum yum. Can’t make the in-person tutorial? You can learn about garlic mustard from Michele Grzenda, Weston’s former conservation administrator.

Also on Saturday at the Town Green is the Fix It First bike repair workshop with the Art & Innovation Center. What does this have to do with Earth Month? It’s all about reusing and upcycling (pun intended) your weary old bike rather than buying a new one. Registration is required for this clinic, and you can do that here. Held on the Town Green from 1 pm to 3 pm,–afterward you’ll be ready to hit the rail trail or dry Conservation trails.

Hopefully, it’s not too late to register for Weston PTO Green Committee and Parent Education’s online event today, April 14th to discuss how to manage your spring cleanouts, indoors and out, more sustainably. Register in advance.

Later this month, events are still planned for Land’s Sake Earth Day (April 22) celebration and for Arbor Day (April 30). The Owl will update those plans soon.

Halftime is over: get outside!

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