Green Up Day, Vermont Tradition With A History

Vermont was the first state to designate a day to clean up the entire state. Started in 1970 by Gov. Deane Davis, our unique tradition continues with thousands of Vermonters taking care of Vermont. The idea came from Robert S. Babcock, Jr. then a reporter for the Burlington Free Press. Driving home from Burlington to Montpelier on a clear day in March, he was appalled at the devastation caused by spring snow run off and the unsightly litter it revealed. He and Gov. Davis proposed and planned a statewide effort involving everyday Vermonters picking up roadside trash. On that first Green Up Day in 1970, more than 70,000 Vermonters took to the roadways picking up and hauling trash. More than 4000 truckloads were hauled and 20,000 cubic yards of trash were removed from Vermont roadways. To me, Green Up Day epitomizes the essential nature of Vermont…. The only state in the nation where one Saturday a year, citizens come together to make their roads and public spaces clean and pristine after the long winter. Green Up Day supports community building, civic engagement, environmentalism and fun…all in one day! Plan to do your part this year on Saturday, May 5, 2018. To find out how to help in your town go to the Green Up Vermont website. greenupvt.org or check with your town clerk.

North Hero Parks and Recreation will host a celebratory lunch Saturday, May 5, noon at Camp Ingalls. Pick up your Green Up bags at the NH Town Office, fill them with roadside litter and bring them to Camp Ingalls.

Berney Skutel
North Hero Parks

Jan 9, 2025, 10:30 AM

Jan 15, 2025, 6 PM

Jan 15, 2025, 7 to 9 PM