Approximately 40 volunteers picked up 2,300 pounds of garbage and 17 tires, weighing a total of 500 pounds, along the Chenango River and accompanying Greenway River Trails. After the river cleanup about 9 volunteers cleaned up the abandoned homeless camp, removing garbage and needles that were left behind at South Plaza. (Submitted Photo)

NORWICH – The signs 'carry in-carry out' are posted in most parks and recreation areas. Yet, a continuance of garbage is dropped off along many trails, rivers and campsites.

Chenango County volunteers took matters into their own hands and recently met up at the Chenango River, forging through trails and ground cover at the river's edge, to pick up the left behind garbage.

"Approximately 40 volunteers picked up 2,300 pounds of garbage along the Chenango River and accompanying Greenway River Trails," said Chenango County Department of Planning and Development Shane Butler. "And we also picked up 17 tires, weighing a total of 500 pounds."

"Our main objective was to clean up the community and keep the garbage away from and out of the river," he said.

"Obviously as part of the Explore Chenango Outdoor Challenge, we want more people to get out in the community to take some hikes and explore what Chenango County has to offer," Butler added. "It makes for a much more appealing hike when you aren't walking by other people's trash."

"The event went really well and we were so glad the weather stayed nice," said Butler.