MANAYUNK

By Jared Guest

With warmer weather comes greener parks and blooming flowers - the perfect time to get outside and start volunteering! As Pennsylvanians, we have set a high standard for being ecologically responsible, ranking in as the 18th greenest state in the US according to WalletHub. To further our dedication to providing a healthy environment for future generations, it is important that we all show our planet appreciation and ethical responsibility.

How can you help in our community?

Earth Day is this Saturday, April 22! The Friends of the Wissahickon are getting involved with a cleanup around the Valley Green Inn in honor of the day. Join volunteers to plant trees and shrubs at one of the most beautiful sections of the city, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Click here for more information.

Earth Day is also about beautifying the space we live in. You can also join the Elon alumni volunteers at North Light to help paint a "poem path mural" at the community center. Volunteers will be meeting rain or shine. You can sign up here.

LOVE Your Park Week is an annual tradition across the city to help maintain our parks, our beloved green gathering places. This year, LOVE Your Park Week will be May 13-21. On Saturday, May 13, Pretzel Park will be participating in the event to help spruce up our neighborhood hub. If you’d like to lend a helping hand, register here.

It is also important to be conscientious about the environment on all other 364 days of the year. Make an effort by recycling on a daily basis, biking short distances instead of driving, and maintaining responsible ecological practices. Take responsibility for your community, future generations, and our beloved Earth -- after all, there is no PLANet B.