Celebrate Earth With a Spring Clean-Up

COURTNEY McCLURE The Standard

UXBRIDGE: Show your appreciation for the environment by supporting your local trails and wildlife.

On April 20th, the Uxbridge community has the opportunity to join the Township of Uxbridge during their Earth Day Spring Clean-Up.

The clean-up will take place along two local Uxbridge trails; the Countryside Perserve and the O’Neil Trail. Clean-up starts at 9 a.m., at the Countryside Preserve.

According to the Township of Uxbridge, trails coordinator, Norine Blyth, organizing and participating in the Earth Day Spring Clean-Up will be a great way to make the Uxbridge trails more “desirable” for visitors.

Volunteers, and local Uxbridge residents, are encouraged to reduce their use of single-use plastic bags whenever possible.

Starting on April 24th, the Township of Uxbridge will also be hosting guided trails. Each guided trail session will have a theme.

The theme of the first session is “Tree ID”. During this trail, participants will learn how to identify local trees by bark, colouring and branching buds.

For the guided trail sessions, you are asked to pre-register, as there is limited availability.

Ms. Blyth suggests registering for all of the guided trail sessions. The sessions begin in April and run until December.

Although Ms. Blyth enjoys all of the walkable trails in Uxbridge, she has two favourites. She enjoys the O’Neil Trail and the Brookdale Trail.

“[The Brookdale Trail] is very country,” said Ms. Blyth. “It’s a single trail path and it’s absolutely beautiful.”

She enjoys the O’Neil Trail because it combines meadow-like scenery and forest. So, you may spot birds and wildlife while walking. “It’s a great combination,” she said, describing the O’Niel Trail.

The Township of Uxbridge encourages all residents to honour Earth Day, and celebrate by creating a clean community. Picking up garbage and keeping your own property, at home, clean and free of litter can also be a unique way to celebrate Earth Day. Earth Day is on Monday, April 22nd. Free garbage bags are available for pick up at the township office located at 51 Toronto Street South, in Uxbridge from April 15th until the 19th.

The township office is open from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, unless stated otherwise.

To learn more about either event or to volunteer for the Earth Day Spring Clean-Up or to pre-register for the guided trail sessions starting in April, please contact the Township of Uxbridge Trails.

They can be reached via email at trails@uxbridge.ca or by phone at 905-852-9181 extension 506.