As the snow melts and the ditches reveal what winter left behind, residents in the RM of Hanover are being called to action for this year’s round of community clean ups.
Recreation programmer Tayleigh Giesbrecht says there are at least three communities in the RM that are hosting the clean ups this coming weekend, including Grunthal, Kleefeld and Mitchell.
"The Grunthal community clean up will be Friday, May 2. You'll be meeting at the Grunthal drop zone at 6 p.m., and then there's a barbeque to follow.
"For Mitchell, it'll be happening Saturday, May 3. You're meeting at the Mitchell Arena at 9 a.m.," she says.
"The Kleefeld community clean up is also happening on Saturday, and that will be at 10 a.m., meeting at the Kleefeld Park until 12 p.m."
If there are any changes made to the time or location of the events, Giesbrecht says they will be posted on the RM of Hanover Recreation Department's Facebook and Instagram.
Giesbrecht says community clean ups like these play important roles in maintaining the beauty and wellbeing of the municipality.
"They not only keep our communities clean and welcoming, welcoming, but they also help residents come together and in a shared effort builds a connection and a pride and a stronger sense of community amongst the residents," she says.
Of course these clean ups give an aesthetic boost.
"Before these community clean ups, you’ll see more trash in the ditches or bushes in the parks," Giesbrecht explains, "and after the clean up, it feels like it’s more maintained… there’s less garbage."
She hopes the events also drive future habits that stick around long after trash bags are filled.
"When you're directly involved in picking up all the trash, you think more about littering next time, right?" she says.
Giesbrecht says some communities are still searching for volunteers to help facilitate the clean ups.
Those interested are encouraged to look on the RM of Hanover's website for details, and all are encouraged to come out and take part in the spring effort.
Every pair of hands helps.
"The involvement of all of the residents that help with the clean up and everything truly makes a difference in building a community that’s a great place to live, work and play," Giesbrecht says.