The New Forest Society is cleaning up the roadside along Annandale and Scott Roads in Emmitsburg to help protect the Chesapeake Bay Watershed by participating in this year’s Big Sweep.

The New Forest Society, is a local nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection of natural resources which impact the watershed area in northern Frederick County.

Big Sweep is Volunteer Frederick’s annual county-wide beautification project held in April in recognition of Earth Day. The event raises money for participating area nonprofits while helping to keep our county and our waters clean. Structured like a walk-a-thon, participants collect donations from family, friends and other supporters for their chosen nonprofit. In return, on April 22, 2006 they agree to pick up trash along their chosen roadside or illegal dumpsite in the Frederick County.

The Big Sweep program relies on volunteers to pick up trash and sponsors to donate money toward the cause. Volunteers gather pledged donations to benefit their nonprofit organization. The town of Emmitsburg has pledged a $1,000 donation toward this project. The New Forest Society will use proceeds from this project toward the planting of trees on the historic Shields family farm, part of the town’s conservation land. Some proceeds may benefit the New Forest Society’s Community Foundation scholarship fund.

The New Forest Society chose the location of Annandale and Scott Roads in Emmitsburg for the Big Sweep because of its proximity to Tom’s Creek. The roadside in this area is littered with trash, tires and construction debris. In the event of a flood, all litter along the roadways would pollute Tom’s Creek. Tom’s Creek flows into the Monocacy which flows into the Potomac which ultimately flows into the Chesapeake Bay.

To show your support for cleaning up Emmitsburg roadsides and improving the health of our watershed, you may pledge a donation or volunteer to help the team on April 22. To make a donation, call 301-447-3017 or email 404westmain@adelphia.net.