Noontime Rotary and YMCA Celebrate Earth Day

Volunteers from the YMCA of Collier County, alongside members of the Noontime Rotary Club, conducted a thorough campus cleanup with equipment and supplies generously provided by Publix, Waste Management, and Dero Roofing. Event organizer Rene Ford secured all necessary materials for the volunteers, including plastic bags, litter-grabber “claw” sticks, water bottles, and reusable shopping bags, and arranged for organic snack bars prepared by private chef Dylan Leary, founder of LOVE FARMS.

Prior to the official start time of 11:00 at the Y, numerous of these Y volunteers had already participated in beach cleanup activities beginning at 9:00.

Ford warmly welcomed the Y’s 23 volunteers and, together with Jennifer Nitz – a Florida Master Naturalist affiliated with the Dolphin Express – shared insights regarding environmental stewardship, updates on local ecological conditions, a story about local dolphins in Marco waterways, and practical strategies that citizens can implement to foster cleaner environments. The Y’s President and CEO, Cindy Love-Abounader, expressed sincere appreciation to the volunteers for their valuable and impactful contributions.

After the introductory remarks, the volunteers proceeded outdoors to commence their campus cleanup. With 23 participants and a well-maintained facility, the cleanup was completed within 45 minutes.