State Sen. Natalia Fernandez leads annual City Island cleanup

State Sen. Natalia Fernandez hosted her annual community cleanup on City Island, drawing volunteers of all ages who spent the morning picking up litter and talking about neighborhood stewardship.

"This is an annual cleanup that I try to do every year to celebrate, you know, the awarenesses, but also get back into community," a presenter said, describing the event as both a chance to remove debris left by winter and to connect neighbors. Organizers and volunteers said spring is a good time to remind residents how individual actions can help keep public spaces clean.

A speaker referenced Fordham, saying the university emphasizes engaging students as members of the community and creating opportunities for them to contribute locally. "Core to Fordham's mission is teaching our students to be engaged members of the community," the presenter said, explaining the school brought students to the cleanup to learn from and serve the neighborhood.

Several residents who volunteered said they view the cleanup as a way to give back. One resident who said they moved from California told attendees, "I think it's important to help your community," and noted that not everyone will pick up litter, which is why events like this matter. Another resident said City Island is a unique community and that such gatherings show future generations the importance of respecting where they live.

Organizers and participants described the turnout as a sign of local pride. "All of the participants today were the change that they wish to see in the world," one speaker said as the event wrapped.

Reporting for BronxNet, Nova signed off at the conclusion of coverage. The cleanup brought together community members, volunteers and students for a coordinated effort to remove trash and encourage neighborhood care; the number of volunteers was not specified in the transcript.