ConservingNow Community Change

To the editor:

Last week we had several unusually warm and lovely days considering it was still early March. My sister and I could have taken advantage of these and done any number of enjoyable recreation activities outside. However we chose instead to make a serious effort at cleaning up the wetland and water drainage area located in front of the Derry Hannaford shopping center parking lot.

Why? We were not getting paid to do this, we were not assigned to community service, and we were not seeking any kind of reward or recognition for ourselves. Instead, we did so simply because we cared about the land, not only its appearance but also the value it held for both people and animals.

Wetlands not only serve as crucial habitat for wildlife like turtles, waterfowl, songbirds and snakes, of which we saw several, but also help offset pollution caused by leaking cars, salt on roads, and pesticides and herbicides.

After seven hours of filling 20 bags, we were not only exhausted and sore from our efforts, but we realized that we would still have to return the next day in order to complete the job. It was extremely disheartening to see just how much trash was scattered on the ground and realize how much was preventable if people just cared and disposed of it properly.

We removed countless plastic bags and carriage wipes from Hannaford and the surrounding retail stores, numerous food and drink containers from McDonald's and Dunkin Donuts, and a large number of plastic from candy bar wrappers and potato chip bags just to name a few items.

If we really care about our land, there is a lot we can do to show this and help preserve and protect the little that we still have left. First, we can set a positive example for our children by not throwing trash outside our car windows and educating them on the value of open space. Second, we can properly dispose of recyclable "trash" by recycling it or better yet, using reusable items such as cloth bags instead of either paper or plastic when shopping. And finally, we can show that we care about the appearance and value of our town land by actively participating in a roadside clean-up at least once a year. Anyone can do this at any time of the year by simply contacting the Derry transfer station. The staff there will provide you with bags for the trash you collect and even pick up those bags once their location and number is given.

Please take this letter to heart and help make this town a better place to live for our generation and all those to come. And next time you happen to be around the Hannaford shopping center, take a few moments to see and appreciate the now much cleaner marsh area for yourself. Listen and look for the red-winged blackbirds and waterfowl that sometimes call that location home, and as the weather warms keep and eye out for the turtles that live there as well. As you will see, a few people can make a difference for a place. Will you be one of the few next time?

Jennifer and Judy Books

Derry