OSWEGO - Oswego County is known for record snowfalls that grab national headlines. After that snow melts, it’s time for county residents to roll up their sleeves and join in clean-up events throughout the county. This year, Earth Week will be celebrated from Saturday, April 19 to Sunday, April 27.

“Oswego County has high quality water supplies and an impressive diversity of species and habitats. As active environmental stewards, we need to protect these natural resources,” said Chairman of the Oswego County Legislature Barry Leemann. “Individuals, schools, groups and organizations can help to keep Oswego County clean and prevent contamination and pollution from trash and litter in a variety of ways.”

Several local events are being planned around Earth Day 2008, which is Tuesday, April 22. The Oswego County Environmental Management Council is coordinating Earth Day cleanup activities.

“Residents can clean up a school ground, park or roadside, or an area around their home or business,” said David Hertzler, EMC chairman. “Other ideas include planting trees and creating rain gardens to protect our land and water resources for the future. Using energy- and water-conserving items and appliances also provides an environmental benefit, as does recycling.”

Schools, groups and organizations can register their Earth Week activity through the EMC. Trash bags and other supplies will be provided to participants, including safety vests for those on roadside clean-ups. Novelis will make work gloves available and asks volunteers to donate recyclable aluminum cans to the Cans for Habitat program, which benefits Habitat for Humanity.