Camp Alta Mons and Stiles Falls are two of the attractions that bring many visitors to Allegheny Spring Road.
Lori Graham
Contributing Writer
SHAWSVILLE – The 5th annual volunteer trash pickup of Alleghany Spring Road in Shawsville will be held on April 5 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m., rain or shine.
The areas for trash pickup will include Kirk Hollow Road to Jewel Drive. Supplies for this event are available at Wyatt’s Country Store on Alleghany Spring Road and interested volunteers can visit the store between 8 a.m. and 1p.m. to sign in and get supplies.
In the past, volunteers have averaged about 55-65 bags of trash annually. New volunteers are welcomed and encouraged each year, and anyone can join in the fun of keeping roadsides clear of debris. Picking up trash along roadsides not only reduces flooding issues but maintains the beauty of the Allegheny Spring region of Montgomery County.
This area of the county is home to Camp Alta Mons, an outdoor ministry of the Valley Ridge District of the United Methodist Church, according to their website at www.altamons.org. Tent and RV camping, a swimming pool, a children’s summer camp, and spaces to rent for special events are all part of the Camp Alta Mons experience.
Stiles Falls can also be accessed through the Camp Alta Mons entrance and is a three-mile round trip walk with hikers experiencing a 40-foot waterfall. The natural beauty and historical relevance are even more reasons to keep the area clean, and residents of the community are asking for help.
Organizer Billy Rakes started the event five years ago with the goal of giving back to his community. Many residents living on the roads of Allegheny Spring and in the Shawsville area come out to contribute, Rakes said.
“We hope to see you on April 5th as we clean up our roadsides,” Rakes said. “If everyone does a little, we can accomplish a lot. Please share this.”
Any questions can be directed to Billy Rakes by email at bhrakes2058@gmail.com.
Wyatt’s Country Store on Allegheny Spring Road will be the registration site for the 5th Annual Volunteer Trash Pickup Day.