Rail Trail cleanups create community, beautify South End

Every spring and fall season, volunteers spend an hour cleaning South End’s Rail Trail, collecting as much as a ton of trash in every three-part series.

A group of people posing with reflector vests and trash pickers.

With supplies donated by Keep Charlotte Beautiful, 100+ volunteers are outfitted with the tools to clean up near the Rail Trail.

Photo via South End Social

The first Rail Trail Cleanup of the fall season is about to kick off in South End. More than 100 volunteers will gather to pick up litter before celebrating their efforts. It’s all thanks to organizer Mike Martelette of South End Social.

“We have people from all over the city come,” said Martelette. “We’re doing something good for the neighborhood, getting small businesses involved, and having fun.”

South End Social partners with US Bank and South End to host the seasonal three-part series. Per each series, volunteers have collected ~one ton of litter.

Afterwards, volunteers celebrate at an appreciation event at The Union — earning a free drink plus the chance to win prizes from 25+ local businesses.

Mark your calendars:
Saturday, Sep. 28
Saturday, Oct. 19
Saturday, Nov. 23

Editor’s note: Registration is encouraged to participate. Volunteers can meet at the New Bern Light Rail Station between 10-11 a.m.

More from CLTtoday
The new Uptown office will give community members a close and interactive look at the renovations coming to Bank of America Stadium.
Check out this list of local venues to host your next party, reunion, or reception.
Sponsored
Grab your shoes and can-do attitude — the Charlotte Curling Association is ready to welcome new league members through the rest of its operating seaosn.
Luke Kuechly, Carolina Panthers’ former linebacker, was recognized for his eight-season career with the Panthers, among other major accolades in the NFL.
Joinery aims to create a pedestrian-only corridor between three buildings, linking the community to housing and retail spaces — and yes, it is car-optional.
Put your money where your community is and help us create a guide to small businesses by submitting your favorite local spots and sharing this page with a friend.
Meshugganah, a deli concept that was popular during the COVID-19 pandemic, will reopen at City Kitch in West Charlotte, offering comfort food, sandiwches, and dessert.
Learn how couples fell in love in the Queen City.
Planning a date night with a hot new fling? Hoping to spice things up with your longtime partner? We’re here to help plan the perfect night in the Queen City.