Submitted Photo Imagine Forestville Board members gather together to thank NCCF for the Environmental Grant money to purchase a recycling/trash can in Forestville. From left are Merv Fry; Carol Woodward; Aimee Rogers; Anna Galofaro; James O’Connell; Cathy Kaicher and Nancy Adams Fry.

FORESTVILLE — The Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation has approved an Environmental Fund Grant to Imagine Forestville for the Forestville Creek/Pond Litter Abatement project.

The project was chosen by Imagine Forestville because there were no trash bins on the overpass of Walnut Creek in Forestville nor near a pond that is close to the road. Both the creek and the pond get garbage tossed into them.

“There is a need to preserve and protect the well-being of our community and to protect our portion of the natural waterways that are on route to Lake Erie from garbage discarded by passersby,” Imagine Forestville officials said in their application to the foundation. “Correcting this problem will enhance and beautify not only our portion of Walnut Creek, but also the communities downstream, making the water a healthier place for everyone including the fish and other animals that rely on the clean creek water.”

Upon the approval of the money from the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation, Imagine Forestville members delivered a letter to Todd Johnson, Hanover town supervisor, and Town Board members at a monthly meeting requesting their approval to place the receptacle in Forestville. The board approved Imagine Forestville’s request, with the only requirement being that Pete Pelletter, town highway superintendent, be included for the correct placement of the receptacle based on state guidelines.

On May 11, a cold and damp day, the Recycling/Trash can was set up in Forestville, with the help and guidance of Kyle Barthel from the Highway Department and Imagine Forestville members James O’Connell and John and Aimee Rogers.

Imagine Forestville officials said they hope providing a recycling/trash bin near the pond and Walnut Creek will alleviate future environmental issues.

“This now is truly a community project, as its success will be up to the community of Forestville,” Rogers said.

The receptacle will be emptied weekly by preassigned community members that have signed up for a monthly commitment to maintaining it. To sign up to empty the receptacle, call Aimee Rogers at 965-4321.