If you’d like to help remove the unsightly trash that collects along Route 13, join the Ithaca Rotary Club for its semiannual highway cleanup from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 18th.
Have you ever driven along a highway and noticed the trash scattered along the shoulder like plastic bottles, fast-food wrappers, bits of metal, and other debris? It’s more than just an eyesore. Litter on our roadsides poses serious threats to wildlife, waterways, and the natural beauty that makes our community such a special place to live.
That’s why the Ithaca Rotary Club is once again calling on volunteers to join its semiannual Route 13 Cleanup on Saturday, October 18, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Together, we can make a visible difference in just two hours.
A 15-Year Tradition of Stewardship
For more than 15 years, Ithaca Rotarians, alongside partners like Zero Waste Ithaca and volunteers from across the community, have dedicated their time to cleaning up a two-mile stretch of Route 13 between the Triphammer Road and Stewart Park exits. This regular effort keeps one of Ithaca’s most-traveled roadways clean and welcoming for residents and visitors alike.
Volunteers will meet at 8:50 a.m. in the parking lot of Tops Friendly Markets (2300 N. Triphammer Road) before heading out in small teams to tackle different sections of the highway. Safety gear including hard hats, vests, gloves, trash grabbers, and bags will be provided, and everyone will receive a brief safety orientation before beginning the cleanup. Afterward, participants are invited to enjoy light refreshments and celebrate their collective impact.
Why Roadside Litter Matters More Than You Think
Litter might seem like a small problem, but its effects on the environment are anything but. Every piece of trash left behind can create a ripple effect that harms ecosystems and endangers public health.
Pollution of Local Waterways
Much of the roadside litter along Route 13 doesn’t stay there. Rain and wind carry debris into storm drains, ditches, and streams, which eventually flow into Cayuga Lake and the Finger Lakes watershed. Plastics, in particular, can break down into microplastics, tiny particles that pollute waterways and accumulate in fish and other aquatic organisms. Over time, this pollution can degrade water quality and affect the health of our drinking water sources.
Threats to Wildlife
Animals often mistake trash for food or become entangled in discarded materials. Birds can choke on bits of plastic, turtles and small mammals can get trapped in beverage rings, and toxic substances from certain types of waste can poison soil and plants. By removing this debris, volunteers are helping to create a safer habitat for the wildlife that calls our region home.
Impact on Community Health and Pride
Beyond environmental damage, litter also affects how people feel about their surroundings. Studies show that areas free from trash promote a stronger sense of community, attract more visitors, and encourage economic activity. A cleaner highway means Ithaca continues to present itself as the vibrant, welcoming gateway that it is.
Make a Real Difference in Just Two Hours
Participating in a highway cleanup is one of the simplest — and most rewarding — ways to give back to the community. Whether you’re passionate about environmental stewardship, want to spend time outdoors, or are simply looking to meet like-minded neighbors, your effort will have a lasting impact.
“This is a great opportunity to keep the gateway to Ithaca clean and free of trash,” says coordinator Bob Gravani. “You’ll enjoy yourself, meet new people, and know that you’re making a real difference in protecting our environment.”
How to Join the Cleanup
- Date: Saturday, October 18
- Time: 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. (Meet at 8:50 a.m.)
- Location: Tops Friendly Markets parking lot, 2300 N. Triphammer Rd.
- What’s Provided: Hard hats, vests, gloves, trash grabbers, bags, safety briefing, and refreshments
Whether you come alone, with family, or as part of a group, every pair of hands helps. Let’s work together to keep Route 13, and our broader community, clean, safe, and beautiful.
Join us on October 18th because a cleaner highway means a healthier community, a safer environment, and a stronger future for Ithaca.