Valley City Resident Cleans Up Neighborhood Ahead of Spring

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In Valley City, North Dakota, writer Steve Urness took advantage of the spring thaw to clean up litter and debris that had accumulated over the winter in his neighborhood and along local trails and waterways. Urness collected several bags worth of cans, cardboard, and other trash that had blown into the area, preventing it from polluting nearby creeks and rivers. He encourages others to follow suit and help keep their favorite outdoor spaces clean as the new season arrives.

Why it matters

Litter and debris that accumulates over the winter can have a negative impact on local wildlife and ecosystems if left unchecked. By taking the time to clean up these areas, Urness and other community members are helping to protect the natural environment and ensure that it remains healthy and enjoyable for activities like fishing, hunting, and wildlife watching.

The details

Urness, who writes for the outdoor publication Our Outdoors, spent several walks around his neighborhood collecting plastic bags, cans, and other debris that had blown into the area over the winter. He focused on cleaning up the ravine near his home, as well as areas along local waterways, where the litter could have ended up polluting the creeks and rivers downstream. Urness noted that this type of cleanup effort is important not just for the aesthetics of the area, but also to prevent harm to wildlife that could become entangled in or ingest the discarded items.

• Last week's warm weather marked the likely end of the winter season in Valley City.
• The Minnesota fishing opener is a traditional milestone that signals the start of spring activities.