The Big Pickup is
Saturday, May 19

Albany's annual community cleanup, The Big Pickup, is scheduled for 9:00 a.m.-noon, Saturday, May 19, 2012.

This year's event will focus volunteer efforts on public rights-of-way in South Albany.  Crews will be working on landscaped traffic islands on 34th Avenue between Pacific Boulevard and Marion Street SE; on Waverly Drive from 36th Avenue to Del Rio Avenue; and Columbus Street from the Santiam-Albany Canal south to Del Rio Avenue.  Traffic on 34th Avenue will be restricted to one lane in either direction from 8:00 a.m.-noon.

Additional volunteers will be picking up litter and clearing invasive plants along the Willamette and Calapooia Rivers in Bryant Park and picking up litter along major roads in North Albany.

Groups, families, or individuals who want to participate should contact Heather Slocum, 541-791-0058 orheather.slocum@cityofalbany.net by Friday, May 11, 2012.

River cleanup and North Albany litter volunteers report to Bryant Park for supplies and instructions.  Volunteers working in South Albany check in at South Albany High School.  Parking at the South Albany sites is limited; carpooling is encouraged.

What is happening in the Thornton Lakes and how should they be managed?  The Calapooia Watershed Council and Benton Soil & Water Conservation District will host a free workshop for Thornton Lakes' neighbors from 1:00-4:00 p.m. Saturday, April 21, 2012, at North Albany Community Church, 1273 West Thornton Lake Drive NW. 

Albany Parks & Recreation is joining with the Children & Nature Network to sponsor activities throughout the month of April to get kids and their families outside.

Let's G.O. (get outside) is a youth-inspired, youth-led initiative to get people of all ages to play, serve, and celebrate outside.  The national program promotes being active, having fun, and connecting with nature.  More than 100,000 people participated in Let's G.O. in 2011.

Albany events are scheduled the last three Saturdays of April.

•  Downtown Carnegie Library flashmob 
• Stay informed during an emergency
• Using natural cleaning products around the home