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De Witt plans Earth Day cleanup with volunteer sign-ups; tick‑safety presentation set for late May
Summary
The advisory committee outlined Earth Day cleanup logistics (start 9 a.m., two headquarters at Robbie T's in Jamesville and the pavilion), listed volunteer groups and target cleanup sites, and agreed to host a tick-safety presentation and field demonstration around May 31 with a 20–30 minute indoor presentation followed by outdoor activities.
The De Witt Advisory Committee detailed plans for the town’s Earth Day cleanup and related community education events, including a tick‑safety presentation and field demonstration planned for late May.
The meeting’s organizer said the Earth Day cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, April (start time 9:00 a.m.) with two headquarters: Robbie T’s Pizza in Jamesville and the pavilion at the municipal building. The organizer said multiple volunteer groups have already confirmed participation, including modified boys lacrosse teams, a small local realty firm (the Bell Home Group) and a local contractor that has helped with pocket-park mulching. “They’re planted when possible. Street trees get difficult because of soil conditions, lots of trees,” a volunteer coordinator said when discussing planting preferences, and later the organizer listed pickup logistics and hazard warnings for youth volunteers.
Organizers described target cleanup locations and recurring problem areas: Whitewaters Parkway, Route 173 (especially the stretch across from Clark Reservation), Harry Boulevard, Rock Cut Road, Bridal Street in the BJ’s/Walmart area and other roadways. The organizer said Rock Cut Road and parts of Route 173 are “disgusting” and cited truck-hauler debris and frequent wind-blown litter as primary causes. They also described a long-standing roadside pile of tires and estimated some dump sites have remained for years.
Volunteers and local groups were told the town can accommodate cleanups on days other than the main Saturday event; however, Saturday collections allow highway crews to pick up collected material. The organizer asked volunteers to return provided collection kits and to register interest; town staff offered to create a sign-up link to help estimate attendance and logistics.
Separately, the committee agreed to host a tick‑safety presentation and demonstration around May 31. The presenter, identified at the meeting as a specialist, proposed a 20–30 minute indoor PowerPoint on tick safety and protection followed by outdoor “drag” demonstrations where attendees can learn to look for ticks. The presenter said the session could be adjusted for audience size and weather, and that an intern would assist, with a recommended outdoor group size in the 20–30 person range. The presenter asked for audio-visual support and said a sign-up link would help plan for additional staff to manage larger groups.
Committee staff said they will include event information in the town newsletter and on the town website if timing permits. The presenter and staff agreed to exchange final event details in early May and to set a rain plan for the outdoor portion, but the presenter emphasized that finding ticks is not guaranteed and outdoor demonstrations can be modified if field conditions are poor.
The meeting also briefly touched on other upcoming community events — Canal Day and a June 14 event at Cedar Bay — and the search for vendors for summer festivals. No formal vote or budget commitments were made at the meeting; the discussion focused on recruitment, logistics and safety.
