As both the calendar and the budding of trees usher us into the Spring of 2025, I am reminded
of the themes of hope and renewal that the season represents. Trees and flowers begin to
bloom, the grass turns green once again, and the natural cycle of life begins anew. With this in
mind, it’s no surprise that the term "spring cleaning” has become synonymous with putting the
past behind us and making a fresh start- but the term has its roots in the practical need for an
annual cleaning of one’s house from top to bottom. And just like a house needs a thorough
cleaning from time to time, so does our town.
Every spring, town staff does an excellent job of removing the accumulation of litter on town
property that was tossed around in the notoriously harsh winter winds or buried under drifts of
snow. But much of this litter ends up in areas that aren’t on town property, such as state
roadsides or in a “no-man’s land” where ownership isn’t present or easily identifiable. In those
cases, I’m proud to say that we are blessed to have a local organization that steps up and
provides an incredibly valuable service to our community.
Keep Rockland Beautiful (KRB) is a dedicated local nonprofit organization committed to keeping
our communities clean and beautiful through volunteer-driven efforts. Last year, over 3,000
volunteers stepped up to tackle litter and environmental debris across Rockland County. Their
collective efforts resulted in the removal of more than 1,000 bags of trash, 600 bags of
recyclables, and large discarded items such as shopping carts and tires, amounting to over 31
tons of waste cleared from our parks, roadsides, streams, lakes, and neighborhoods.
Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds come together to make a difference. Youth groups such
as the Clarkstown South High School Environmental Action Club and Teen Leadership
Rockland participate in cleanups. Service-based organizations like Rotary and Lions Clubs
continue to play a crucial role, while local businesses, including Perigon Wealth Management,
Palisades Credit Union, Montefiore Nyack, and Tilcon sponsored community cleanups this year.
The cleanup’s success is made possible through collaboration with the Town of Clarkstown
Highway Department, other municipal highway departments, and Rockland Green, which all
provide essential support in hauling away collected debris. It is truly an all-hands-on-deck effort,
showcasing the power of community in protecting and preserving Rockland County’s natural
beauty.
The Great American Cleanup Registration Is NOW OPEN! Join us for community cleanups
across the county, where every volunteer plays a crucial role in revitalizing our neighborhoods.
Be a part of the change you wish to see! Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a dedicated eco-
warrior, or simply someone who cares about the planet, your participation matters.
Please consider volunteering some time to join one of these cleanup events and keep in mind
you can schedule your own event with co-workers, friends, family, scouts, churches, and
synagogues. All you need to do is register at www.keeprocklandbeautiful.org.
It’s our community, let’s help keep it clean!
