THINGS TO DO

June 28: Clean up the Don River banks

Don’t Mess With the Don launches its first official event of the year on Sunday, inviting everyone to join them in cleaning up the river banks of the Don River south of the Millwood Road bridge, toward Pottery Road.

“Over the years, countless pieces of garbage, mostly plastics bags and so-called ‘flushable’ wipes have been caught in the trees and sand banks along the Don River. Hard to reach, out of sight, this waste has been piling up un-noticed and unchecked and we cannot allow this to happen,” says the group’s Facebook page.

The cleanup takes place June 28 from 9 a.m. to noon hour, with two gathering places.

    1. Redway Road: Drive or cycle to Loblaws on 11 Redway Rd. You will find signs to go down the park entrance road (road towards water treatment plant) just next to the Loblaws at back of parking lot. Follow the Don’t Mess With the Don signs until you reach gathering point underneath Millwood Bridge.
    2. Beechwood Drive: Drive, cycle or hike down Beechwood toward the park entrance. Follow the Don’t Mess With the Don signs.

The event will adhere to the current social distancing and park conduct guidelines — including keeping two meters apart and working in groups not larger than 10. Bags, gloves and hand sanitizer will be provided.

Participants should wear water tight shoes and clothes that might get dirty and wet. Legs and arms should be covered to prevent exposure to poison ivy and insects. Bring your own water.

Garbage pickers or long tongs would also be handy to help reach some garbage.

This event is sponsored by Park People.