Keep York County Beautiful, an affiliate of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, was formed on July 15th, 2011, with the support of the York County Commissioners and Penn State Cooperative Extension - York County - West Nile Virus Program. Keep York County Beautiful will serve York County minus the City of York, which is served by Keep America Beautiful affiliate Keep York Beautiful. Thomas Smith will serve as the Affiliate Coordinator. Mr. Smith works for the West Nile Virus Program as the program’s Administrator.
On March 31, 2012, Keep York County Beautiful had a cleanup event on Bunker Hill Road in Peach Bottom Township. To see the results of that cleanup, click here.
In July, 2010, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful released its report on illegal dumps in York County. The Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful survey of the county, done in partnership with the Penn State Cooperative Extension - York County - West Nile Virus Program, identified 274 illegal dumpsites containing an estimated 263 tons of trash. The survey found that 36 of the 72 municipalities in the county have illegal dumping activity. Illegal dumpsites pose many threats to the health and safety of humans and wildlife, including giving mosquitoes a place to breed. West Nile Virus, carried by mosquitoes, has been a primary concern for environmental officials. For the most recent Penn State Extension York County Mosquito Buzz newsletter, please click here.
An initial goal of Keep York County Beautiful will be to work with volunteer groups, municipalities, and community partners to get these sites cleaned and have them remain clean. The affiliates’ three focus areas are Prevent It (litter and illegal dump prevention), Clean It (cleanup and community greening), and Keep It (proper waste handling and sustainable practices).
Individuals and groups interested in volunteering can contact Keep York County Beautiful at 717-840-2375 or e-mail.