By: Leigh Patterson
Spring is a very busy and exciting time for Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful. There are several events going on during the month of April, and we would love to share information about them with you!
KALB’S ELK RIVER CLEANUP
As part of KALB’s yearly Trash Attack series, we are planning to spend time cleaning up the Elk River and surrounding public lands, and we would love for you to join us! On Saturday, April 2 from 8 a.m. to noon, KALB invites individuals, families, businesses, groups, and organizations to help us with this effort. Volunteers will meet at the Hatchery Road Boat Launch off of Hwy 99 in West Limestone at 8 a.m. to check in and to pick up supplies, including litter grabbers, gloves, vests, and trash bags. Donuts and coffee will be served at check in. After picking up supplies, volunteers will then disburse to different areas along the Elk River to clean. Lunch will be provided to volunteers at noon. This is a great opportunity for those needing volunteer hours to get out and make a difference in our community. More event details are located on our website: www.KALBcares.com.
FREE DUMP DAY
It’s time for spring cleaning so take advantage of this opportunity! On Saturday, April 2 from 8 a.m. to noon, Limestone County residents are welcome to bring one pickup truck or trailer load of trash to the Republic Services Transfer Station located at 16100 BFI Lane off Hwy 72 West, just before 7-Mile Post Road. Gates close promptly at noon so arrive early.
RESTRICTIONS: Any appliance with Freon must have the compressor removed or be accompanied by a certificate showing the Freon was professionally removed. No household hazardous waste or medical waste. Contractors may NOT dump free. Must provide proof of residency (i.e., a utility bill).
GUIDED NATURE WALK AT MARBUT BEND
Before you head out to the Earth Day & Outdoor EXPO on Saturday, April 23, we recommend taking a relaxing guided nature walk beginning at 7:30 a.m. at the Marbut Bend Walking Trail in West Limestone. You won’t want to miss this fun and educational walk located in a very beautiful area. This walk will take you across boardwalks through a wetland area and along the shoreline of two coves of the Elk River. Damien Simbeck of Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) will be leading the walk. He is an expert on birds and other wildlife, along with the plants and trees that call Marbut Bend home.
The walk will begin promptly at 7:30 a.m. Please meet in the walking trail parking lot. Comfortable walking shoes and insect repellant are recommended. You may want to bring binoculars as well, for bird and other wildlife viewing. This 1.1 mile walk is an easy, flat, and A.D.A. accessible trail, and will last approximately 1 to 1 ½ hours.
EARTH DAY & OUTDOOR EXPO
Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful has partnered with Athens State University for this year’s Earth Day & Outdoor EXPO, and we invite YOU to join in on the fun! The event will be held on the campus of Athens State University on Saturday, April 23 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission to the event and all shows/performances will be FREE. Vicky Beckham Smith “The Bat Lady” and a few of her winged friends will provide two educational shows about the importance of bats to our environment. The Science Guys will have two separate exhibits where visitors can perform hands-on science experiments, and will also provide a 30-minute show. Athens State University will have live reptiles and amphibians and will provide historic tree tours. There will be exhibitors offering products, services, information, and education. There will also be food trucks, a petting zoo, fun and games, and MORE!
Contact KALB with questions by calling 256-233-8000 or email KALBcares@gmail.com.
By: Leigh Patterson
Executive Coordinator – Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful
December 20, 2024
