On the 52nd anniversary of Earth Day, celebrated April 22, members of the Environmental Advisory Council, Whitehall High School students and other township residents gave back to the community and planet by picking up trash.

Volunteers spread out between Mickley Road and the Jordan Creek bridge to collect numerous bags of garbage and other assorted items, including rugs and even a child-size bed that was pulled out of the creek.

Following the conclusion of the cleanup, volunteers were invited to attend a cookout and witness the unveiling of one of the township’s new Bird Town signs.

Bird Town PA works in partnership with municipalities and other organizations to “promote community-based conservation actions to create a healthier, more sustainable environment for birds, wildlife and people.”

Whitehall Township is one of four municipalities in Lehigh County to become a Bird Town.

The EAC will be holding another cleanup 8:45-10:45 a.m. May 7 for anyone interested. Participants will be cleaning the area around Church and Chestnut streets.