In May, 2023, a fire broke out in our community of Westwood Hills. The fire spread quickly to forest and neighboring communities and devastated the area. Following the heoric response of firefighters, our community was left scarred. In all, the fire destroyed over 200 buildings, including 151 homes (approximately 50 in Westwood Hills). It's important to note that, at the same time, other Nova Scotians were affected by the province's largest ever fire (Barrington Lake), on the south shore of the province. Both fires combined destroyed over 400 structures including 211 homes and many businesses, while razing over 24,000 ha of forest.
As the community has undertaken a significant effort to rejevuate the destroyed forest and rebuild the lost homes, the winter has not been kind to the area with respect to waste. Debris from construction sites has blown around, "visitors" have disrespectfully tossed their waste into ditches and driveways, and trash has collected into waterways with the newly-formed run off streams.
As the lead-up to Earth Day, Westwood Hills is having a community cleanup, and we could use the help of some willing geocachers.
The cleanup will be on April 20th, 2024, from 0930 to 1200, and the rain date is April 21st, 2024 at the same time. Some gloves, vests, and all bags will be provided. Bottled water and hand sanitizer will be available and there will be some prizes for the event. Halifax Regional Municipality will be collecting the waste from specific drop points in the community. The CITO host and WWH residents will help transport waste to the drop points by truck.
It is recommended that cachers wear rubber boots, versatile clothing and bug spray. CITOs aren't an easy find, but the pride of a clean area is worth the effort.
Schedule:
09:30 - Meet at posted coords to receive your assigned cleanup area and supplies.
09:45-11:45 - Clean up, trash collection
11:45-12:00 - Meet at WP01 (End of Windbreak) for prize draw and thanks.
Thanks for your support.