Making a Difference, One Bag at a Time: My Experience with the Great American Cleanup
Lead Ranger at USACE
As someone who’s passionate about protecting the places we love—and lucky enough to serve on the committee for Keep Bartow Beautiful—I had the chance to roll up my sleeves this Earth Month and take part in the Great American Cleanup at Allatoona Lake. And let me tell you… it felt amazing to make an impact alongside some truly awesome people.
In just two hours, our crew hit two areas at the lake and cleared out:
– 40 bags of litter
– 2 tires
– A truck bed cover
– Several tire treads, tent weights, a trailer hitch, and other bulky junk
There’s something deeply satisfying about filling bags, hauling tires, and watching a space transform back into the natural beauty it was meant to be. Even better? We didn’t do it alone.
Our team included:
– Two Keep Bartow Beautiful board members (including yours truly!)
– One U.S. Army Corps of Engineers staff member (my husband)
– Eight USACE volunteers (whom I love dearly from my park ranger days)
– Three incredible team members from our local Chick-fil-A (so grateful they joined)
Watching our community come together for a shared cause—it’s the kind of thing that reminds me why I do what I do, both through my creative work at Blue Canyon Creative and through service.
The Great American Cleanup, organized by Keep America Beautiful, is more than just a clean-up day. It’s part of a nationwide movement to care for our public spaces, protect natural beauty, and spark a little joy in the places we call home. And during Earth Month, there’s no better time to lean in and get involved.
If you’re looking for a way to give back, I encourage you to join a local cleanup, plant a tree, or just pick up litter during your next walk. It really does make a difference—and it feels good to do good.
If you are local, visit Keep Bartow Beautiful’s website and Facebook page to see how you can get involved:
Keep Bartow Beautiful Website
Keep Bartow Beautiful Facebook Page
Thanks to everyone who came out to support this event. I’m proud to be part of a community that cares.
– Linda, Owner of Blue Canyon Creative
Committee Member, Keep Bartow Beautiful
