The Great American Cleanup officially begins in March, but we began activities in Liberty County several weeks ago with our Arbor Day activities. Then the city of Gum Branch really kick things up a notch with a great five-mile cleanup.
Between now and May 31 we will be working with 17,000 other communities across the United States collecting litter, planting plants and trees, holding recycling events and providing Earth Day awareness in more than 30,000 events.
I feel tired already!
In 2007, 2.8 million people volunteered for these cleanup events across America. We need YOU to join us this year in making our local GAC cleanups the biggest and most effective ever.  
There is plenty to clean up too. Liberty County stretches about 40 miles and, unfortunately, there is a lot of litter in its 519 square miles.  
That is challenging. But, thankfully, our cities, businesses and civic groups are stepping up to meet that challenge. This year Keep Liberty County Beautiful is partnering with the Liberty County Chamber of Commerce and municipalities, businesses and community organizations in a unique way to fight the litter problem here and have some fun. The Clean Community Challenge is a chance for local businesses and groups to show what they are made of. Who can bring out the most volunteers to get the litter out of our neighborhoods, cities and county?
That's the challenge. We are signing up groups every day including all of our local cities. Gum Branch has challenged all the others to meet or beat their efforts. We also have businesses like Wal-Mart and Target leading the way. Even our schools are doing their part. The high schools are challenging each other on May 3 in Flemington.
There is still plenty to do and we need you and your group or business to join us. Please call 368-4888 or email klcb@libertycountyga.com for more information.
Here are some of the other events happening during the Great American Cleanup:
Through May 31: Return the Warmth Plastics Recycling Contest in local schools
March 19-21: Business E-Recycling Collection. Any local businesses needing to recycle old computers and other electronic equipment should call 368-4888 for information.
March 22: Community Recycle It! Fair 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Turn in electronics, paint, fluorescent light bulbs, phone books and other household hazardous waste for recycling. We will also accept toys for reuse or recycling. Call 368-4888 for info.
March 29: 8:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m. St Catherine's Beach Cleanup. Boats and volunteers needed. Limited volunteer space available.
April 5: City of Riceboro Highway 119 Cleanup
April 14-15: Earth Day Water awareness programs in schools
April 22: Earth Day, Go Green! Exhibits and second annual Earth Day Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest 3:30-6 p.m. at Bradwell Park
April 26: Litter Throwdown, Highway 84 and more. Cleanup challenge 8:30 a.m.-noon challenging clubs and groups to help clean up major corridors.
May 3: City of Flemington clean up. Contact KLCB or any YALL student for information.
Another exciting project is an Earth Day poster contest for kids in partnership with Prevent Child Abuse Liberty and the United Way. The winning artwork will be used on posters and Earth Day placemats this year.  
The only way to end litter is for all of us to do our part. A clean world is a safer and healthier world for all of us. Call today.
For more information on Keep Liberty County Beautiful programs, contact me at 368-4888 or klcb@libertycountyga.com.