PA CleanWays of Allegheny County, Inc. and the Mt. Washington Community Development Corporation have scheduled a cleanup for May 6 in Mt. Washington, Pittsburgh.

The cleanup will involve the removal of household waste, furniture, appliances, construction debris, and tires from an approximate 200 yard stretch of wooded hillside within the newly created Grand View Scenic Byway Park. In addition to cleaning up the site, volunteers will work to remove invasive species from the cleanup area and plant native species.

“This cleanup is part of an ongoing effort by PACWAC to encourage preservation and stewardship of the greenways within Allegheny County,” said PACWAC Board President, Ginette Walker Vinski. “It is time to restore the natural beauty of the steep wooded slopes along Williams Street that have long been marred by garbage and debris.”

“We’re thrilled to have DCNR funding and the partnership of PA CleanWays of Allegheny County to help with this truly large-scale cleanup effort; one of a series of ongoing partnerships that will help us create a world-class city park for current and future generations to enjoy,” stated Lynne Squilla, President of MWCDC.

Volunteers will meet at 9:00 a.m. in the parking lot of La Tavola Italian Restaurant, 1 Boggs Avenue, Pittsburgh 15211. Lunch will be provided. Volunteers must be a minimum age of 16 and must able to traverse steep terrain. This site is rated as “more difficult” in terms of ease of cleanup. Volunteers should wear long pants, long sleeves and sturdy shoes.

Funding for this project was provided through the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

For more information or to volunteer, contact Lee Haller, PA CleanWays of Allegheny County, at 412-381-1301 or pacw_ac@hotmail.com .

4/21/2006