Did you run over the big bags of trash that were strewn in the southbound lane of U.S. 521 during evening rush hour on in January? Did you realize that it consisted of apparent child care garbage, including dirty diapers, paper cups and plates?
The mess was cleaned up the next day by one of our amazing Indian Land Green members, Joan Schuermeyer, who filled six bags with that litter, less than a week after the whole area had just been cleaned?
Have you noticed a difference in the way Indian Land’s roadways have continued to improve in their beautification in the past year?
Thanks to a dedicated core of litter warriors, over 412 huge trash bags of ditch and median litter, along with a small mountain of car parts, cardboard boxes, wood pieces, furniture, bedding, metal and rubber pieces, pallets and yes, dirty diapers, were removed from our roadsides in 2023.
Indian Land Green, a nonprofit intent on beautification, education, and adding greenways/blueways to the Panhandle, has continued to sponsor Second Saturday Community Cleanups in its fifth year, and the annual Deputy Roy Hardin Park November spruce-up.
Over 80 volunteer participants have helped in the past year, including County Councilors Brian Carnes, Terry Graham and Jose Luis, State Rep. Mike Neese with his truck/trailer, Land United Football club and parents, Indian Land’s seventh-grade boys basketball team, parents and coach Lamar Hull, and our new business partners, including Super Chix, Trash and Stash, Junk Kings and Guardians of the Green landscaping.
How can the rest of you 40,000-plus Indian Land residents and Lancaster county businesses help? All our work is done by our volunteer board to find helpers, sponsors, knowledgeable experts and funds.
Unfortunately with more growth comes more litter and less green space, so many more hands are needed for the cleanups and future trail planning and building, funding for land purchases, and eventually a trailer or vehicle, and storage shed.
Also, our grant monies were decreased for the 2024 private additional monthly mowing of the median of U.S. 521/Charlotte Highway from the state line to Sun City Carolina Lakes, so that will not continue without donations from businesses, clubs, foundations and individuals. So, it’s time to step up, to put your muscle and money into our Indian Land green spaces.
Please consider joining us as we create legacy projects for all to enjoy. Our next “meeting” is our Second Saturday cleanup April 13, starting at 8:30 a.m. from the Indian Land Masonic Lodge back parking lot at 9189 Charlotte Highway.
Board members William Jamison and Steve Regele will now do a monthly water monitor testing of our newly adopted Six Mile Creek, if you are interested in that.
Membership is free; just email cmcconaughay@gmail.com to get on our communications list, to volunteer your help or to report a problem (except for dead deer — we don’t do those).
We need you. We need your fitness/walking/kayaking group, school/team or church/community club. Even if it’s just one time in 2024, you can make a difference. Amazing things are coming.
Clare McConaughay is a board member of Indian Land Green.
