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Westminster, borough join forces to keep New Wilmington beautiful

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Posted on Thursday, May 30, 2019

Members of the Westminster community and the Borough of New Wilmington joined together to participate in the statewide “Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Great American Cleanup of PA" project this spring.

Dr. Patrick Krantz, associate professor of environmental science and director of Westminster College’s Outdoor Laboratory, in collaboration with New Wilmington Borough Council representative Katanya Cathcart, hosted a borough park clean-up event in celebration of Earth Day on Saturday, April 27.

Approximately two dozen members of the Westminster community—including students from a variety of campus groups, alumni, and faculty members—worked side-by-side with more than 10 borough residents from children through retirement age. The group planted approximately 150 annuals, removed invasive species, clean up garbage from McClure Run, and placed compost from Westminster’s Field Station into flower beds to enrich the soil.

Senior biology major Gabriela Johnson, service chair for Zeta Tau Alpha, organized Greek life participation as an Earth Day service project. At least two members from each Greek organization was in attendance.

“This event brought the Greek organizations together in a way that was also beneficial to the surrounding community. The Greek students were able to work as a team to accomplish the park cleanup,” said Johnson. “This event was very beneficial to everyone involved. The people in the surrounding community were able to spend time and interact with the students from Westminster, and at the same time, the students became more appreciative of the New Wilmington area.”

The 15th annual statewide cleanup event kicked off on March 1 and runs through May 31. The program brings together thousands of Pennsylvania families, friends and communities who will pick up litter, clean illegal dumpsites, plant flowers or trees, join recycling efforts and education programs all geared towards the vision of a cleaner and more beautiful Pennsylvania.

For more information, contact Dr. Patrick Krantz at krantzpd@westminster.edu or at 724-946-6097.