(NEW HYDE PARK, N.Y.) - In observance of Earth Day, Nassau County Legislator Ellen W. Birnbaum (D - Great Neck) joined Herricks High School student Pranati Patnam and student volunteers on the grassy area adjacent to Nassau County Storm Water Basin 130 in New Hyde Park on Saturday, April 24 for the Herricks Earth Day Clean-Up. Volunteers cleared 10 full bags of trash and debris from the sidewalk and grass on the east side of Herricks Road north of Hillside Avenue. During her visit, Legislator Birnbaum spoke to volunteers about the importance of caring for the environment and thanked them for taking time out of their weekend for this cleanup event.
“Every year since 1970, Americans have commemorated Earth Day by raising awareness about the importance of protecting our planet and rolling up their sleeves to preserve it for future generations,” Legislator Birnbaum said. “I applaud Pranati for organizing the Herricks Earth Day Clean-Up and all of the student volunteers who worked so hard toward making this a truly successful community effort.”
“To be doing such humble yet powerful work was incredibly fruitful, and the encouragement from the honks of passing cars left us with greater enthusiasm and spirit,” Pranati Patnam said. “I feel that environmental awareness is necessary to our education and can be initiated through anyone who cares about the future of humanity and the planet.”