Take spring cleaning outdoors at Rattray Marsh

April 6, 2016 · 0 Comments

Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) will kick-off its 2016 Volunteer Workday program with the annual Rattray Marsh Spring Clean-up, scheduled for this Saturday (April 9) from 9 a.m. to noon.
This event is held in partnership with the Rattray Marsh Protection Association (RMPA), a community group dedicated to protecting and educating the public about Rattray Marsh in Mississauga.
“This public clean-up brings the community together to help care for Rattray Marsh,” said CVC Deputy CAO and Director of Watershed Transformation Mike Puddister. “This space is well-loved by surrounding neighbours and the broader community. In fact, it is our most highly visited conservation area. Now that spring is here we can get out and remove some of the waste that has built up over the winter. Everyone is welcome to participate including local residents, students, environmentalists, service groups or families looking for outdoor activity.”
Each year, CVC and RMPA team up for the annual community clean-up at the marsh. Volunteers remove waste left behind from winter weather conditions and garbage from public visitors. The event draws between 180-500 volunteers who remove tonnes of garbage annually.
In 2015, volunteers removed 2.75 metric tonnes of garbage from the marsh, equivalent to 6,062 pounds. That is between eight to 10 pickup truck loads of waste, or enough to fill a 20-yard dumpster.
The event is open to the public. Volunteers are encouraged to come help in the clean-up efforts. Bring work gloves, wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. Those interested in participating are asked to meet at any of the entrances to Rattray Marsh.
Rattray Mash is a sensitive area, visited by thousands of people each year. CVC manages the property and depends on the support of RMPA and volunteers for clean-ups and environmental projects that help the area flourish.
To learn more about the clean-up event, visit http://www.creditvalleyca.ca/event/rattray-marsh-annual-spring-clean-up-2/