The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources this week announced that more than 30 tons of trash and scrap metals was removed during just four cleanups as part of the Greenways Cleanup Program.

PA CleanWays, DCNR's cleanup partner in the program, organized volunteers to perform all of the cleanups. For the year, 209 volunteers spent 1,016 hours removing tires, scrap metal, household trash and other debris from four sites.

The sites involved are:

· Hazelwood Greenway, Allegheny County: More than 10 tons of trash, six tons of scrap metal and 72 tires were removed from an illegal dumpsite along the south section of the Hazelwood Greenway. Volunteers also planted 110 native trees and a native plant species garden around the base of a new greenways sign.

· Mahoning Shadow Rail Trail, Jefferson County: almost five tons of trash was removed from a 12-mile stretch of the Mahoning Shadow Trail.

· North Country Trail, Lawrence County: More than four tons of trash and four tons of scrap metal were removed from a heavily vegetated area along a 1.3-mile stretch of the trail.

· Romascavage/West End Regional Park, Monroe County: More than one ton of trash and 53 tires were removed from this illegal dumpsite in the park.

Many volunteers also monitor cleaned sites to ensure that dumping does not reoccur.

Through Pa CleanWays' Adoption Program, individuals and groups can become stewards of greenways. Caring for places such as hiking and biking trails, water trails, parks or other areas can help increase community pride, make communities more attractive and remove dangers to people, animals and equipment.

In Jefferson County, more than 12 miles of the Mahoning Shadow Trails have been adopted by individuals, families and community groups. Adoptions are being pursued in other recent cleanup areas.

For more information about greenways and trails visit the PA Greenways Clearinghouse website.

9/9/2005