BERLIN – The town is seeking the support of residents as it once again hosts Berlin Clean-Up Day.
On Saturday, April 27, the town is asking residents to visit one of the town’s parks to help with a spring clean-up.
“It’s a great chance to give back to the community, meet some of your neighbors and make some new friends,” said Mary Bohlen, the town’s administrative services director.
The event, which is slated to begin at 8:30 a.m. at Berlin Falls Park, Stephen Decatur Park and Henry Park, has been held in Berlin for at least the past 15 years. Residents interested in participating will be able to help beautify the town’s parks. While the town will have some equipment available, participants are asked to bring their own rakes, shovels and wheelbarrows.
“We’re looking for individual teams to help with planting, weeding, raking mulching and whatever else needs attention in our parks,” Town Administrator Laura Allen said. “This is a great opportunity for students to earn service hours.”
The town is also seeking volunteers to help clean-up Hudson Branch. Those interested, who are encouraged to wear heavy clothes and boots, can sign up at Henry Park.
This year, the town has added a variety of activities to Berlin Clean-Up Day. The Maryland Forestry Service will hold a “Backyard Buffer” tree giveaway during the event. Trees will be available on a first-come, first-served basis to any Worcester County landowner.
“We’ll have bundles of trees available,” Allen said.
Each bundle contains approximately 25 native bareroot tree and shrub seedlings, including bald cypress, river birch, serviceberry, spicebush and winterberry.
At Berlin Falls Park, members of the Berlin Falls Park Advisory Committee will be offering information about and tours of the town’s newest park. They’ll also be plating pollinator gardens.
Another new aspect of this year’s clean-up is the incorporation of Comcast Cares Day into the event.
“We want everyone to sign up because Comcast is actually donating back to Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services for every volunteer,” Police Chief Arnold Downing said.
Berlin Clean-Up Day, which is expected to run from 8:30 a.m. to noon, culminates with a free lunch provided by the Kiwanis Club at Henry Park.
