The Ithaca Rotary Club is once again bringing Rotarians and community volunteers together for its fall Route 13 cleanup on Saturday, October 17 at 9:00 AM.
Held twice each year, the Route 13 cleanup gives volunteers an opportunity to make a visible difference in the community while helping protect the natural beauty of the Ithaca and Finger Lakes region.
Volunteers will meet in the Tops parking lot in Lansing before breaking into teams to clean different sections of Route 13. Participants are encouraged to arrive around 8:45 AM to get organized and pick up gloves, hard hats, trash grabbers, and bags before heading out.
Click here to sign up to volunteer!
Join Your Neighbors for a Morning of Service
You don’t need to be a Rotarian or have participated in a cleanup before to get involved. Community members are welcome to join the effort.
Cleanup lead Bob Gravani describes what newcomers can expect: “First time volunteers can expect a number of like-minded citizens and Rotarians who come together on that day to break into small teams and clean sections of the highway.”
By working in small groups, volunteers can cover sections of the highway and make a noticeable impact in just a few hours.
Why Cleaning Route 13 Matters
Route 13 is one of the area's most heavily traveled roads and an important gateway to the Ithaca community. Unfortunately, that also means litter can accumulate along the roadside.
"Plastic litter breaks down into microplastics that pollute our water and threaten wildlife and public health. We are looking forward to joining this shared community effort again this fall,” said Emily Jernigan of Zero Waste Ithaca who will be joining the Ithaca Rotary Club for another year of service.
The fall cleanup gives volunteers another opportunity to tackle that litter before winter while taking pride in one of the community's most visible shared spaces.
Click here to sign up to volunteer!
Supporting Infrastructure and Community Pride
Roadside litter isn't only an aesthetic problem. It can also affect local infrastructure.
"When trash accumulates along the roadside, it can disrupt storm water movement and increase the workload on our public works team,” explained Carolyn Greenwald, Deputy Mayor of the Village of Lansing, during the spring cleanup. “Litter sends a message about how we value our shared spaces so we want to keep our spaces clean, our sewer and water system functioning and just have an aesthetically welcoming environment for everyone.”
The cleanup also provides an opportunity for residents, Rotarians, local leaders, and volunteers to work side-by-side toward a common goal.
Be Part of the Fall Route 13 Cleanup
A few hours on a Saturday morning can make a big difference.
Whether you're an Ithaca Rotarian, a returning cleanup volunteer, or someone looking for a hands-on way to serve the community, you're invited to join us on October 17.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, October 17
Time: 9:00 AM
Recommended Arrival: 8:45 AM for gear and team assignments
Meeting Location: Tops Parking Lot, Lansing
Provided: Gloves, hard hats, trash grabbers, and bags
Click here to sign up to volunteer!
Dress for the fall weather and come ready to work alongside your neighbors as we help keep Route 13 and the greater Ithaca area clean, welcoming, and beautiful.
Together, we can make a visible difference in our community.