On a crisp Saturday morning, three volunteers trudged along the Wesleyville off-ramp of Highway 401, armed with garbage bags, gloves, and determination. Lorna Dickson, Chris Clark, and Barry Simpson were not just picking up trash — they were honoring the memory of Major Michelle Knight Mendes, a Canadian soldier who died in Afghanistan in 2009, repatriated through CFB Trenton, and transported along this very stretch of highway, now solemnly known as the Highway of Heroes.
For Dickson and the others, cleaning highways is a long-standing commitment. They’ve spent years combing through roads and sideroads across Northumberland County, quietly restoring spaces others treat as disposable. But what the trio faced on Saturday was shocking.
“Things have definitely got worse,” Dickson said, surveying the roadside clutter. “We can talk about protecting our environment all we want, but only we as people can make a difference.”
Despite the off-ramp being cleaned just six months ago, the team found everything from household garbage, a motorcycle tire, household clothing and alcohol containers, with their numbers noticeably higher than last year. At one point, they discovered the stump of a tree, seemingly cut down and taken — possibly for a Christmas tree — leaving behind only remnants of someone’s convenience at nature’s expense.
Dickson highlighted the hidden dangers of litter. “Even something as small as a cigarette butt breaks down into microplastics. They get into waterways, fish eat them, and eventually, people eat the fish. It’s a chain reaction we don’t often think about, but it’s destroying our environment.”
More volunteers are stepping up each spring, yet the growing volume of trash shows many still don’t grasp the impact of their actions. Beer cans and alcohol bottles, Dickson said, have at least doubled since last year alone. “It’s lack of respect for your environment. Down the road, this is going to affect our children, our grandchildren, and everyone around us.”
For Clark and Simpson, the work is both tribute and call to action. They pick up what they can, but they also hope their effort sparks reflection in others. “No matter how much people pick up, they can’t get it all,” Dickson said. “People just have to stop doing it. We need to make that difference.”
On Sunday, the group plans to tackle the eastbound on-ramp at Wesleyville, ensuring both sides of the highway honor Major Mendes’ memory. Each bottle, bag, and tire removed is a small victory, but for Dickson, it’s also a reminder that volunteerism, while vital, cannot replace responsibility.
“We’re doing our part,” she said. “But ultimately, this isn’t just about cleaning up — it’s about changing the way people think. That’s the real legacy we can leave for our children and our communities.”
The Highway of Heroes is meant to be a solemn tribute, a path of remembrance for those who gave their lives in service. Yet as volunteers like Dickson, Clark, and Simpson walk its shoulders, they are reminded that respect for the past and care for the future go hand in hand. One piece of garbage at a time, they are trying to make both count.
Environmental Impact: What Roadside Litter Really Means
Litter left along highways isn’t just unsightly — it has long-term environmental consequences.
Cigarette butts: One of the most common forms of litter, they break down into microplastics over time. These tiny plastic particles enter waterways, are consumed by fish, and can end up in the human food chain.
Plastic bottles and cans: Plastics can take hundreds of years to degrade. Broken down fragments contaminate soil and water, harming wildlife that mistake them for food.
Tires and household waste: Left in ditches, tires can collect water and become breeding grounds for mosquitoes, while other debris can leach chemicals into the environment.
Alcohol containers: Not only are they visually intrusive, but they also pose safety risks for wildlife and people. Broken glass can injure animals and humans alike.
Every piece of litter contributes to a larger chain reaction: soil contamination, water pollution, and ultimately, impacts on human health. Volunteers like Dickson hope awareness, alongside clean-up efforts, can break the cycle.
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
