The Department of Public Works and local developer The Smyrna Group are holding an Earth Day cleanup of Spring Street in West Haven and New Haven from 9-11 a.m. today.
Spring Street connects both cities along the marshes that lead to Long Island Sound. Through the years, a large amount of garbage, including plastics, TVs and tires, as well as plastic foam products, have accumulated in the canals that feed the West River, which empties into the Sound.
The area is home to a wide array of wildlife, including a family of swans that floats just yards from the debris field on the river’s banks, according to organizers.
“As we acknowledge the pressing concerns of our environment on Earth Day, this grassroots cleanup of Spring Street could not have come at a more fitting time,” Mayor Nancy R. Rossi said. “It is our intention to remove as much trash as possible in two hours with help from our legion of community volunteers. We hope to see you there!”
Volunteers can expect to pick up garbage and put it into plastic bags. Public works crews will provide trash bags and trucks to remove the bags.
Spring Street will be closed to traffic during the cleanup, organizers said.
Volunteers can park at Air Specialties, 25 Spring St., West Haven, or at Truman School, 114 Truman St., New Haven.