Thursday, November 13, 2003

A chance to help, beautify

A few years ago, a group of students and residents tackled what resident and nature enthusiast Alan French refers to as "the mink cage caper."

A ravine in Harold Parker State Forest - near the site of a former mink farm - was filled with mink cages, tires, car parts and other discarded junk. Rather than just leave the garbage there, a group of residents took action. A "bucket brigade" of people helped remove the debris. In particular, Andover High School and Phillips Academy students worked together to clean the site. The town provided a dumpster for the garbage. Quickly, the eyesore was eliminated.

Now French wants to recreate the effort and address a new eyesore. In the middle of Foster's Pond, there is an island that until recently was the site of a dilapidated home. The home was torn down this year, but large piles of debris remain on the island, visible from shore. French hopes to put together another bucket brigade of people next weekend, Nov. 22 and 23 from 9 to 4 p.m. to move the debris from its location atop a hill to the water's edge. People can work one hour, or more. After the debris is carried to the edge of the island, boats will be used to carry the material across the pond to a resident's property. The town will provide a dumpster.

The work won't be easy, given the brush that covers the island. The days could be cold. However, the cleanup presents an opportunity for those interested in conservation and community service to get involved. It's the type of effort every town needs to address the little things that make it a little bit better place to live.