The two videos show video of the camp on May 4 (video) which the volunteers had already started to clean. Then video when volunteers were cleaning on May 7.
It took them days to do it, but they did.
A group of four individuals cleaned up an area east of D’Arcy Street in Cobourg.
The area is out of sight, doesn’t belong to any of the individuals that cleaned it, but still they all had one common goal.
To make a difference for the environment.
For days, Lorna Dickson, Tracey Hudgin McBride, Chris Clarke and Adam Gilbert have removed items that have been collected north of the pathway that runs McArthur Street to Brook Road North.
It was back-breaking work, but the four individuals removed everything from chairs, bbq, radio, car battery, clothes, a bicycle, several car tires, tents, blankets, beer cans, bottles and many other items including cut-up metal wiring finishing up on Thursday, May 7, 2020.
Well over 30 bags of garbage were picked up. And that was just for the smaller items that would fit in the garbage bags.
The group of four had to cross a creek to gain access to the area. Once that was done everything was carried across the creek, piled onto the pathway, then dragged down the path to the end of McArthur Street where Public Works staff removed the items for disposal.
The volunteers even raked the area where the camp had been.
“It hopefully made a difference for the people that hike and ride their bikes through here,” said Dickson.
“And hoping to make a difference with the environment also.”
Police had removed two individuals from the camp site, but Dickson said she believes it has been there for at least a year.
They left with two shopping carts filled with their belongings.
“It’s very sad with the young people. We’re wondering where they went or if they have somewhere to stay.”
Dickson said they are also cleaning the garbage from both sides of the trail.
“It’s not just from these kids, it’s been over time. It’s very emotional because it’s their possessions they’ve had to leave behind.”
“Everything tells a story,” said Dickson.
“We’re hoping they’ve found a safe place to stay.”
Dickson has been cleaning garbage along the on and off-ramps along the Highway of Heroes and other roadways in Northumberland County for several years.
“It is very upsetting to see all the garbage, the litter. Whether you drive a vehicle or wherever you are, there are garbage bins.”
With COVID, we weren’t able to all get out for Earth Day. This all gets into our earth, this all gets into our streams. We may not see the effect ourselves. Our generations are going to see it down the road.”
Dickson points to an area on McArthur Street where a trees have been growing through a discarded stove.
“It’s an awful sight. We should respect everywhere. It’s so beautiful when you see it cleaned up even if it’s for a short time.”
“Both sides, when you enter this trail looked like a garbage dump.”
“If we could just do our part. If you’re out, just pick up a bit. But most of all don’t throw it out.”
“If you pick up your poop bags (for your dog) don’t throw them in the trees – they hang there.”
“Care about your environment – it’s all we have. Our earth is all we have.”
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
