KALB Marches Through A Busy Month

As we begin the month of March, the KALB organization kicks off a very busy season. There are a few things taking place during this month. Read on to learn more about classroom presentations, free seedlings, volunteer opportunities, free dump day and recycling information. We invite you to march right up and participate in something that is of interest to you.

4-H Presentations
In November, we presented a program on recycling to more than 40 Limestone County 4th and 5th grade 4-H clubs/classes. Several more county classes will be visited in March as well as all 5th and 6th grade classes in the Athens City Schools. We are following Chloe Wilson, Foundation Regional Extension Agent with 4-H, and will present the same program using a competitive Jeopardy game. When all is said and done, we will have reached over 1,500 students with our message. It is a rigorous schedule, and I tip my hat to the 4-H agents who do this month after month during the school year. We appreciate the opportunity to join forces with the 4-H team.

Elk River Cleanup
This annual event will be held on Saturday, March 4th. We welcome volunteers to join us in our efforts. No particular skill or ability level is required. All you need is a desire to give back and protect the river which provides our drinking water and recreational opportunities.

Volunteers will meet at the Hatchery Rd. boat launch area at 8:00 a.m. Lunch will be provided at noon, as well as a drawing for lots of prizes. Contact us for information.

Free Tree Seedlings
KALB is grateful to have received 800 tree seedlings from the Alabama Forestry Commission to be given away to Limestone County residents. Members of KALB have first choice of trees and may reserve them via email or phone. All remaining trees will be given away at the Limestone County Home and Garden Show on March 10th and 11th taking place at the Event Center in Athens.

The following is a list of seedlings that will be available: bald cypress, crepe myrtle, river birch, black gum, redbud and Shumard oak.

Free Dump Day
Each year, Limestone County residents have an opportunity to take a pickup truck or trailer load of trash to the transfer station free of charge. On Saturday, March 25th from 7 a.m. until noon, residents will once again have the chance to dump their junk at no cost. Gates close promptly at noon. The transfer station is located at 16100 BFI Lane off Hwy. 72 just before 7-Mile Post Rd. (heading west).

RESTRICTIONS: Refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners must have compressors removed, or be accompanied by a receipt showing that the Freon has been professionally removed. No hazardous chemicals or medical waste. Limit of 4 automobile tires per load (please recycle – see below). You may be asked to show proof of residency; so be prepared with a utility bill. No contractors will be permitted to dump free.

Although the transfer station will accept up to 4 tires per household, we ask that you take all tires to the county shed in your district where they will be recycled. Sheds are located as follows:

District 1: 22555 Elkton Road (7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.)
District 2: 24795 Pepper Road (7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.)
District 3: 14119 Ripley Road (6 a.m. – 2 p.m.)
District 4: 22155 Section Line Road (7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.)

Please also remember that books of all kinds, metals, paper, cardboard, plastic and glass bottles and jars, and electronics can be recycled at our Athens-Limestone Recycling Center on Lucas Ferry Rd. in Athens. If you are unsure whether something is recyclable, please call 256-233-8746 or 256-233-8000 for assistance.

Let’s make our communities better together.
By: Lynne Hart