TPL and Whole Foods Team up for Mill River (CT)

STAMFORD, Connecticut, 4/18/2003: In cooperation with Whole Foods Market’s Greenwich store, on Earth Day (Tuesday, April 22), the Trust for Public Land will host a park cleanup from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. along the Mill River in Stamford. The public is encouraged to attend.

“This is a great way to make a difference for the local environment on Earth Day,” said Whitney Hatch, acting Connecticut director for the Trust for Public Land (TPL). “We applaud Whole Foods for cosponsoring the cleanup and for their continuing support of open space protection.”

“Whole Foods Market is proud to partner with the Trust for Public Land. Our core values include environmental stewardship and local community involvement – this partnership helps us to continue to live up to those values,” said Andrew Dunleavey, marketing team leader for the Whole Foods Market in Greenwich.

The Earth Day cleanup is part of the Mill River Greenway project. In 2001, TPL launched a joint initiative with the City of Stamford, Friends of the Mill River, and the Stamford Partnership to create a 26-acre greenway along the Mill River through the City’s downtown area. The 1.9-mile greenway will include a central park, walking and bike paths, and pedestrian bridges. TPL and our partners are currently raising funds to support a full-time project manager in Stamford.

Cleanup volunteers should meet at the Mill River Park at the corner of Tressor Boulevard and West Main Street at 9:00 a.m. and wear comfortable clothes and shoes for walking. Equipment will be provided, as well as a delicious lunch courtesy of Whole Foods. Earlier this month, on Thursday, April 10, Whole Foods Market stores in the Tri-State area held a 5 % Day, donating five percent of total store sales to the Trust for Public Land to support open space conservation.

The Trust for Public Land is a national nonprofit conservation organization conserving land for people to enjoy as parks, gardens, and natural areas, ensuring livable communities for generations to come. Since its founding in 1972, TPL has helped protect more than 1.6 million acres of land in 45 states, including more than 3,000 acres in Connecticut. TPL depends on the support and generosity of individuals, foundations, and businesses to achieve our land for people mission. For more information, please contact us at (203) 777-7367.

Directions to the Earth Day cleanup: From Interstate 95, take the Greenwich Avenue exit (Exit 7) toward Route 137 north. After approximately 1/4 mile, take a slight left onto State Street. After approximately 1/8 mile, turn left on Washington Blvd. Bell Street will be about 1/3 mile down on your right. The Bell Street Garage will be about 50 yards down Bell Street on your left. On foot, exit the garage onto Washington Street, and follow to Tressor Blvd. The river and park will be on your on your right. Make sure you bring your parking ticket with you to the Park for validation by a TPL staff member