The Keep Lexington Beautiful Commission (KLB) is looking for volunteers for a stream cleanup and beautification project on Richmond Road, Saturday, Oct. 26.
Volunteers are needed to remove litter and debris from the stream between Lakeshore Drive and Fontaine Road, as well as mulch plants that were installed in the area last year.
KLB received a 2012 Lowe’s/Keep America Beautiful Community Improvement Grant of $20,000, one of 120 merit-based grants awarded nationally to support grassroots community improvement projects.
The KLB project included the removal of bush honeysuckle that had overgrown a creek, followed by the pickup of the litter and debris from the creek, and the installation of native plants in the area.
“The aesthetics and the environment in the Richmond Road corridor was tremendously improved by the project,” Jim Pendergest, chair of the KLB Commission, said in a press release. “Over 100 volunteers turned out last year to help pick up litter and install the plants and trees.”
“Richmond Road is a vital and an historic Lexington corridor that of late has seen increased interest, investment and activity,” said 5th District Councilmember Bill Farmer. “Last year’s community-based effort along the stream bed has yielded a reemergence of native species on the creek bank and restored to Lexington part of its natural habitat. If more people help and participate again this year, everyone will benefit.”
The cleanup will be held rain or shine 9 a.m. - noon Oct. 26. Motorists should be advised the right-hand, outbound lane of Richmond Road will be closed for the event. Traffic signs and cones will be in place to alert motorists to the lane closure.
Volunteers for the event should report to the registration tent at 125 Lakeshore Dr., and should dress for the weather and be prepared to get dirty. Boots, pants and long-sleeved shirts are suggested.
To volunteer for the Oct. 26 stream cleanup event, go to http://richmondroad2013.eventbrite.com/
For more information on the Keep Lexington Beautiful Commission, visit www.keeplexingtonbeautiful.com.