Whetstone Warriors cleaned up garbage and debris over weekend

MARQUETTE — Volunteers met at Founders Landing over the weekend to help do their part in taking care of the environment in Marquette.

The group went out to clean trash and debris from Whetstone Brook and its surrounding banks.

This whole project wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t for the members of the community and the grants that helped push this initiative.

“I was very impressed because you just don’t know how many volunteers will come to the very first annual clean up,” said Megan McConville, Northern Michigan University Professor. “When we started a few people trickled in and helped us set up tents and move boxes from cars. People even came early to these kinds of events and I was just so impressed by everyone’s willingness to contribute and be a part of this.”

Just over 25 individuals came out to support the group and the event by clearing debris in the brook.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (ELGE) provided a $2,400 grant for the project. The ELGE celebrated the 49th anniversary of Earth Day by announcing grants for river, stream and creek cleanup events in 14 communities across the state,