All interested volunteers, individual or corporate, are welcome. National Fuel, Wells Enterprises, Inc., The Resource Center, and local Girl Scouts are some employers and organizations that have participated in more than 10 years of spring cleanups organized by Revitalize Dunkirk.

For the fourth year in a row, this event is in conjunction with National Fuel’s “Days of Doing,” in which employees are given release time to engage in community projects.The Chautauqua County Landbank will once again assist by loaning equipment from its tool trailer.

As in the past, the main areas for trash collection are at the Pier and along the waterfront, from Main Street Beach to Wright Park. Gloves and bags will be provided.

Before beginning work at any site, all participants should check in at the Revitalize Dunkirk pop-up tent at the Pier to sign a liability waiver for insurance purposes, choose a work location, receive any needed instructions and supplies, and meet Revitalize Dunkirk volunteers overseeing work at other sites.

Those who enjoy gardening may sign up to help at one of several sites on public property: the rock-mulched flower beds bordering the Boardwalk shops parking lot; the Janice Slaton Memorial Garden at Main and Sixth streets; Bicentennial Park on Sixth Street across from Dunkirk High School; the Dunkirk Lighthouse grounds; the Dunkirk Public Library; or the Rural Ministry.

New this year is an opportunity to assist on two Revitalize Dunkirk projects at Point Gratiot Park: removing metal support stakes from 40 or more trees planted in the past two years, or doing light trail tasks related to Discovery Way at the Point, such as clearing small sticks from the path, repositioning larger fallen branches along the sides of the trail, and spreading more wood chips where needed.

For garden or trail work, volunteers are encouraged to bring their favorite hand tools, such as pruners, weeders, trowels, shovels, garden gloves, and kneeling pads. It’s a good idea to label personal items with a name and/or phone number for easy return if misplaced.

Revitalize Dunkirk, Inc., is an all-volunteer 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission includes boosting community pride through civic advocacy and action.