In observance of Earth Day, the U.S. Green Building Council Students of Penn College collected trash and debris last Friday on the Williamsport side of the Susquehanna Riverwalk, extending from the Hepburn Street Pump Station east to the Market Street Bridge. The 18 students filled up 20 bags of trash, and John O. Markley, secretary of the Veterans Memorial Park Commission (who was aware of the group's project), stopped to share his appreciation. “We could visually see the difference in our cleanup efforts," said Timothy S. Shook, of Bangor, president of the USGBC Students of Penn College. “Looking back and seeing the change we made in just a few hours was very gratifying.” The USGBC students coordinated the logistics for the day, and the American Institute of Architecture Students at Penn College supported the endeavor by supplying gloves, bags and water for the volunteers. "The students that participated enjoyed this event," added Peter L. Gauthier, of Newville, club vice president. "Unfortunately, public spaces create opportunities for trash. We enjoyed the opportunity to dedicate our efforts at promoting healthy and sustainable environments.” True to the day's environmental focus, the students either walked or carpooled to the worksite.
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Photos provided