Parks and sidewalks across Clayton are looking cleaner and greener as volunteers walk away with a sense of pride after the 2025 Clayton Earth Day Clean Up.
"I am thankful the Town of Clayton organizes this annual event because it shows a real commitment to being good stewards of our local community,” said Volunteer Ben Chapman. “Efforts like this reflect the values that make Clayton such a special place to live."
Roughly 100 volunteers signed in at Horne Square between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m., Saturday, April 26 to pick up safety vests, trash grabbers, and supplies. Individuals, families, and civic groups worked together to remove waste, protect local wildlife, and improve the look of the community.
Cleanup efforts focused on areas around Downtown Clayton, Shotwell Road, Amelia Church Road, Clayton High School, and Walmart. Streets, sidewalks, and green spaces across these locations saw a noticeable transformation as volunteers collected litter and revitalized some of the Town’s most well-loved public spaces.
"Events like the Earth Day Clean Up give residents a simple, meaningful way to get involved, and it is exciting to see so many people come together to make a positive difference in their community," added Chapman
After the clean-up, participants visited Deep River Brewing Company to return supplies and take part in an Earth Day celebration. Town staff and local nonprofits handed out raffle prizes, shared educational resources, and thanked volunteers for making a difference.
"The Clayton community is full of people who truly care, and events like this remind us that everyone has a role in taking care of our Town,” said Councilmember Andria Archer. “We all have busy lives, but taking the time to step outside and make a meaningful impact is powerful. It feels so good to finish the day knowing you did something that helps everyone."
According to Keep America Beautiful, more than nine million tons of litter are discarded annually in the United States with significant contributions from plastic, cigarette butts, and food packaging. Councilmember Porter Casey said events like the Clayton Earth Day Clean Up are part of the solution, helping to reduce litter and protect the environment at the local level.
"One thing that makes Clayton so special is our strong sense of community,” explained Casey. “People jump in, get involved, and stay engaged, not just for Earth Day, but for so many events around town. As Clayton continues to grow, it is important for all of us to stay mindful of the environment and the way we care for our surroundings."
The Clayton Earth Day Clean Up is held in collaboration with Friends of Johnston County Parks. The event encourages people of all ages to support the environment and take pride in their Town.