GLADSTONE — The Glad Green Team was formed to combat litter and champion environmental stewardship a couple years ago.

Organized by Mayor Pro Tem Jean Moore and Gladstone Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts, this team aims to bring neighbors, civic groups, friends and families together for city cleanup.

“The proliferation of trash throughout the Metro area has been a concern of mine for years,” Moore said. “We heard from the young lady who had the passion and courage to bring this issue to the council. I also heard directly from some very involved, engaged Gladstone residents (Jim Olshefski, Beth Houlihan and Julie Conn) who expressed an interest in tackling this issue in our city. Something just had to happen, so we brought together a small, but mighty group of individuals to brainstorm about how to tackle this issue in Gladstone.” The Glad Green Team was born.

They meet the first Saturday of the month, from 8-10 a.m. to tackle different parts of the city.

A dedicated crew of 8-20 people have shown up to pitch in.

“The more clean-up we do, the more I think our residents will notice that we are making a difference,” Moore said. “In the winter, everyone knows they are in Gladstone because we have the best snow removal around. My dream is that people will know they are in Gladstone because we have the cleanest thoroughfares in the metro.”

Trash bags, vests, pickers and gloves are provided by the city.

Email info@gladgreenteam.org to sign up to help. An email is sent prior to each gathering with additional details.