In the spring of 2024, newly elected Board of Supervisor, Fritz Najarian created a call to revive the Environmental Advisory Council for Lynn Township that has been defunct since the mid-2000s.

One of the first things we wanted the council to undertake is a road side cleanup.

“I knew it had been a while since this issue was addressed and it needed to be done, says Najarian.

Fast forward to April 26, the EAC and the Lynnport Fire Company joined forces to hold an Earth Day event at the Lynn Township Municipal Building.

The EAC hosted a roadside cleanup while the Lynnport Fire Company held an electronics recycling drop off event.

The heavy rain may have dampened turn out numbers, both events saw neighbors turn out to support the events.

The Lynnport Fire Company teamed up with Responsible Recycling Services of Kutztown to host the event where residents are invited to simply drive through the parking lot where staff will unload electronics from cars.

Heather Utt, of New Tripoli and president of Lynnport Community Fire Company says 66 people brought recyclables.

“I would have expected 100 if not for the downpours,” says Utt.

This process ensures that the most dangerous chemicals stay out of landfills where they can leach into ground water.

Some of these items contain precious metals that can be removed and reused.

While Lynnport Fire and RRS were busy in the front lot of the municipal building, The Lynn Township EAC worked with PennDOT, who provided gloves, trash bags and Hi-Rez vests.

Berger Sanitation of East Muncy donated a large dumpster container.

Master Gardner, Rob Sayre of New Tripoli coordinated with local fellow Master Gardeners to offer printed information and be on hand to discuss best garden practices such as education on native and invasive plants and other topics. “Educational outreach is part of the Master Gardener mission,” says Sayre.

“Lynn Township is a beautiful area and not once did I think we have an issue with road side trash,” said Kathryn Townsend, of Kempton, chair of the EAC. “But when we got out there, the amount of trash on the roadside and especially in culverts was overwhelming. I was shocked. The trash is most noticeable in late winter and early spring before grass grows to cover it up. We don’t want this stuff floating into our waterways and clogging up streams.”

While the EAC knows that the rain during the event hampered turn out, they appreciated all those that put on their raincoats and braved the elements.

About 10 people were out on the roads cleaning up and the opportunity for residents to continue to bring roadside trash continued until at least the following Monday.

“This is the first year for roadside cleanup and a Earth Day event,” Najarian said.

“You have to build these events up. Next year we hope for an even bigger event.” Jerdon added, “A community relies on volunteer involvement and residents doing their part. We have a great community in Lynn Township that relies on its residents to get involved.”