450 Scouts collect others' trash from Mill Creek today

YOUNGSTOWN

It’s easy for anyone driving, walking or bicycling through Mill Creek MetroParks this time of year to notice the budding trees, vibrant colors replacing the browns of winter and the ubiquitous sounds and sights of birds.

But it’s also hard to miss what winter’s departure revealed: discarded cigarette butts, bottles and numerous other types of garbage.

Nevertheless, Anthony Habuda did his part to change that.

“I love coming out here and cleaning up,” said Anthony, a Boardman Glenwood Middle School sixth-grader and member of Boardman-based Boy Scout Troop 60. “I like cleaning up and keeping the park nice for people who walk daily, and for the animals.”

Anthony and fellow Troop 60 members were among those who took part in Saturday’s 31st annual Mill Creek MetroParks’ Earth Day cleanup gathering. Earth Day is Monday.

Sponsoring the effort were Mill Creek MetroParks and the Greater Western Reserve Council Whispering Pines District Boy Scouts of America.

An estimated 450 Boy and Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts and adults donned gloves and took bags for trash and recyclable items, then removed litter from grassy knolls, wooded areas, trails and creeks in about 30 sites throughout the park during the three-hour cleanup.

For the full story, read Sunday's Vindicator or Vindy.com.