125+ volunteers collect 150 bags of trash across 50 miles

Tropical Storm Ophelia could not deter roughly 130 volunteers from heading out into the Poconos and picking up litter along area roads and public spaces. A rainy Saturday, September 23 saw those volunteers cover 50 miles of roads across the four counties of the Poconos. This makes a sixth consecutive successful Pick Up the Poconos Day persevering through the pandemic and now, inclement rainy weather.

“We are continually amazed by the sheer will of volunteers to make sure our Pocono Mountains is picked up,” said Chris Barrett, President/CEO of the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau (PMVB). “We are making great strides in the fight against litter in our beautiful region and that’s a credit to the groups, organizations and volunteers who answer the call each spring and fall.”

More volunteers and groups are expected to continue their own pickups over the next two weeks. Teams from East Stroudsburg University and the Jam Room Brewing Company/Sound Bites Restaurant just to name a few soaked while removing discarded trash along streets, roads and highway exit ramps. The PMVB would like to recognize and thank the many people, organizations and groups that pick up litter year-round and in turn keep our beloved Poconos clean and green.

The Pick Up the Poconos campaign has resulted in nearly 34,000 bags of trash being picked up and properly disposed of over the last six years. Pick Up the Poconos is supported by key partners including Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, Leave No Trace, Monroe County Municipal Waste Management Authority, PennDOT, Waste Management, and many participating boroughs and townships.

The Pick Up the Poconos Spring Cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, April 20, 2024. More information and a volunteer registration link will be posted closer to the date on PickUpThePoconos.com.

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Pocono Mountains visitor information is available online at PoconoMountains.com or by phone at (570) 421-5791. Follow @PoconoTVNetwork on X (formerly Twitter) to stay current with up-to-date information. Established in 1934, the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau is a private, non-profit membership organization. The PMVB is the official destination marketing organization for the four counties of Wayne, Pike, Monroe, and Carbon in Northeastern Pennsylvania.