Jeff Philips, a field organizer for the Barack Obama presidential campaign, is taking a day off from politics on Sunday, April 22, and inviting volunteers to come join him for a trash pick-up along the Raccoon River Valley Trail in celebration of “Earth Day.” 

Gathering point is at the east trailhead of the RRVT, on the northwest corner of the town of Waukee, on the north side of U.S. Highway 6. Hours are from 12 noon to 4 p.m. “or any amount of time you can help during those hours,” said Philips. “You definitely do not have to stay for the duration.”

He asked that people “spread the word to anyone who is able to help, especially those who are environmentally-minded. This event will not be political, and everyone is welcome to attend.”

He said the clean-up would begin at the east trailhead, then go west as far as time allows. He said for people wanting to join in after the start, they can call (515) 339-4414 to find out “how far along the trail we are.”

Philips, 25, is the Obama campaign’s staff member working in Dallas County, and he’s become intrigued by the RRVT during his time there.

“I’m a bicyclist myself,” said Philips, a native of the western suburbs of Chicago. “I haven’t had time to ride the Raccoon River Valley Trail yet, but I’m going to be getting out there now that the weather is turning. I’ve also been hearing about ‘Bike to Work Week’ coming up, and about RAGBRAI, and I want to find out more about biking in Iowa.”

If anyone has questions before the clean-up, Philips can be contacted at (515) 883-2008.

Article Published: 04-18-2007