In celebration of Earth Day the Nordic Nature Group and Denny Fitzpatrick wanted passersby to know that it is vitally important to protect our planet’s environment. Shortly after they stood with signs and placards in Harbor Park they put them aside and spent several hours helping to clean up the Grand Marais harbor beach and surrounding area. Photo courtesy of Dennis Fitzpatrick
A record number of people joined together on Saturday, April 20 to conduct the annual Grand Marais harbor beach cleanup. The effort is part of the Earth Day, Adopt-a-Beach cleanup event held nationwide.
Grand Marais Parks and Recreation Director Dave Tersteeg said there were more than 70 cleanup volunteers who collected a total of 187 pounds of trash on Saturday. The garbage filled a two-cubic-yard dumpster, “with lots of recyclables going into the right bins,” added Tersteeg.
Thanks to the efforts of those volunteers, Tersteeg noted, “the beaches of Grand Marais are looking good.”
As always, several unique prizes are awarded at the end of the day. . The award for the team that traveled the farthest went to Jordan’s Squadron, “Who made it all the way from Fort Meade, Maryland where he serves as an active member of our Air Force,” Tersteeg said, adding, “Thanks for all your service, Jordan!” . Team Butt It Out, who went with the multi-family approach to net four full bags of loot collected the most amount by volume. . Honorable mention in the “volume” category was awarded to the Nordic Nature Group who brought back a heaping wagon of trash, nearly 50 pounds! “As event sponsors, they graciously passed on the prize basket,” said Tersteeg. . Most Cigarette Butts Collected—Team Sheila with 621. . Prize for most peculiar piece of trash—Lyle, Hiver, and Eero for their rare find of a vintage metal can that once contained Swift Premium hot dogs.
“Who else remembers hot dogs in a can? Another honorable mention to the Nordic Nature Group who brought in a miniature book about Johnny and his three goats,” said Tersteeg.
Every event needs assistance, and Dave gave a massive shout out to the event sponsors, which include Alliance for the Great Lakes, Cook Soil & Water Conservation District, East Bay Suites, Grand Marais Library, City of Grand Marais – Parks Department, Nordic Nature Group, Voyageur Brewing, Northwoods Volunteer Connection, VisitCookCounty, and the Lake Superior Trading Post.
“We’ll do it again next year. Until then, Keep it Clean,” said a grateful Grand Marais parks manager.
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