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Community spirit shines during Earth Week cleanup
More than 1,000 residents came together during Earth Week to help clean and revitalize neighbourhoods, parks, trails, and public spaces across Kimberley and Cranbrook, demonstrating the power of community collaboration and environmental stewardship.
The event was hosted by Wildsight Kimberley Cranbrook in partnership with the City of Kimberley, City of Cranbrook, and Mountain Phoenix Community Culture.
The annual cleanup initiative included weekday “Springtime Spruce Up” activities and a community cleanup held on Saturday, April 25.
“With Earth Week just wrapping up, it feels good to look back at the photo submissions and crunch the numbers from the Co-Community Cleanup,” said Andrea Chapman, Branch Manager at Wildsight Kimberley Cranbrook. “This collaborative effort reflects the strength of our community spirit.”
This year, 21 groups and organizations participated in cleanup efforts throughout the work week. Participating schools, businesses, and community organizations included Sunrise Rotary Club, Laurie Middle School, Salamander Nature School, Kimberley Alpine Resort, McKim Middle School, and Kootenay Savings Credit Union, among several others.
The Saturday cleanup rally in Kimberley drew 77 participants, including families, volunteers, and even a few dogs, all joining together to tackle trash across local trails and public spaces.
Participants competed in friendly prize categories including “Most Unique Trash,” “Most Colourful Team,” and “Largest Piece of Trash.” One team recovered abandoned car parts from the Mark Creek Lions Trail—junk that had been there for years.
Cleanup organizers say the event continues to grow each year, both in participation and impact. The annual Earth Week cleanup will return in 2027, aiming for even greater community participation.
“It continues to amaze us how the trash seems to build up each year,” Chapman added. “We hope the pride and effort shown by participants inspires more people to care for the environment around them, whether it’s a roadside, park, or trail.”
Organizers also extended thanks to the many local businesses and organizations that donated prizes, services, and support for the initiative.
Photos courtesy Olivia Loren Photography and Jamie Bond
Wildsight
