YPG Park Cleanup

At first glance, Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon, Va., appears green and clean—not the first place one would consider for hosting a trash collection effort. But, in just two short hours, the USGIF Young Professionals Group (YPG) excavated more than 100 pounds of garbage and recyclable material from the park. About 15 volunteers, including groups from USGIF Member companies MDA and SAIC, gathered at the park on Saturday, April 14, which proved to be a warm, sunny day. They were there to participate in the Potomac River Watershed Cleanup Day as a YPG service project.

The group combed the trails that line the neighborhoods surrounding the park, as well as the streets that make up the park’s perimeter. Their loot included some interesting discoveries, such as an intact deer skull that had become embedded in a creek bank, 60 aluminum cans, and 70 cigarette butts.
Park patrons might be surprised to learn how much garbage was hiding in the brush along their favorite trails and near their homes. As the YPG volunteers sorted their findings between general garbage and recyclable items, a wagon full of families touring Frying Pan Farm Park passed by. The children and their parents cheered and shouted, “Thank you!” to the volunteers for helping keep their community beautiful.