Volunteers spring clean Beckwith Preserve

Garbed in leather work gloves and eager to dive into the workday, Dana Wright and David Lindemer slid a water jug onto a truck’s tailgate and made sure everyone knew to keep hydrated with fresh water. Photo credit Jo Mayer.

From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, April 22, about a dozen volunteers gathered at Beckwith Preserve in Stockbridge Township for a spring cleaning work day.

Garbed in leather work gloves and eager to dive into the workday, Dana Wright and David Lindemer slid a water jug onto a truck’s tailgate and made sure everyone knew to keep hydrated with fresh water.

Some helpers heaved pitchforks and shovels full of mulch into wheelbarrows, while other helping hands hauled and dumped mulch along freshly cleared trails.

Autumn Olive, multiflora rose, and buckthorn were no match for Kelly Schmidt and his chain saw. All concurred that Schmidt was “in charge.”

By 1:00, fresh mulch lined boarded walkways and volunteers savored the fruits of their labors, taking leisurely strolls in dappled sunlight.

Sue Lindemer and Bob Cole heave pitchforks and shovels of mulch into a wheelbarrow. A lawnmower stands at the ready. Photo credit Dana Wright.

Above: Autumn Olive, multiflora rose, and buckthorn were no match for Kelly Schmidt (kneeling) and his chain saw. Campbell Laird assists. Photo credit Jo Mayer.

By 1:00, fresh mulch lined boarded walkways and volunteers savored the fruits of their labors, taking leisurely strolls in dappled sunlight. Photo credit Dana Wright.