Volunteer Clean‑Up Turns Forest Fresh

Paragraph 1. A big group of local people came together to tidy up a huge national forest, showing how community effort can protect nature for the future. Paragraph 2. The event was organized with help from a local environmental club and the U. S. Forest Service, bringing together volunteers of all ages for the 19th yearly litter‑removal day. Paragraph 3. One regular helper, Howard Hogue, shared that he has personally collected more than one million pieces of trash over the years. He says each day on the trail feels like a new battle against pollution, but seeing others join makes the task feel worthwhile. Paragraph 4. When volunteers arrived they were handed gloves, bags, a sturdy picking tool and bright vests to keep them safe while sweeping roads, streams, and wooded corners for everything from plastic cups to broken car parts. Paragraph 5.Forest ranger Jeremiah Zamora explained that the forest covers 260, 000 acres and feeds a major watershed that reaches the Atlantic Ocean. He worries that small plastic items break into micro‑pieces that can travel with rainwater into rivers, lakes and the sea, harming wildlife. Paragraph 6. The cleanup removed more than 21, 000 pounds of waste—about eleven tons—which the organizers say is a clear sign that people care about their surroundings. Paragraph 7. Beyond the physical results, the event also builds local pride. Hannah Feeley from the volunteer club noted that when people help protect their own land, they feel a stronger connection to it and are more likely to keep it clean in the future. Paragraph 8. Officials remind everyone that preventing litter starts with simple habits: pick up your trash and recycle. They encourage all citizens to keep national parks beautiful for themselves and for generations to come.