Hoffman Estates preps for Village Improvement Day

Hoffman Estates village forester Kelly Kerr said it’s amazing how much debris accumulates over the winter as the village deals with the snow.

It’s not until temperatures rise and that snow melts that Kerr and his crews can haul the debris away.

That work prevents crews from starting spring beautification, stuff like mowing lawns and landscaping. That’s why for the past 12 years the village has asked for volunteers to help clean up during Village Improvement Day. This year’s edition is from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 7.

Kerr’s been the village forester for 20 years, and said without the help from Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts, it would take his crews weeks before they could mow lawns.

Participation in the event has increased in recent years, Kerr said.

“It seems people are involved with the environment, we’re seeing families participate,” he said.

The village will supply trash bags when volunteers gather May 7 at the Susan H. Kenley-Rupnow Public Works Center, 2305 Pembroke Ave. There will be a limited number of free T-shirts available as well for volunteers, who will strictly remove litter.

Spring’s reluctance this year has stalled public works efforts, as lawn growth is about two weeks behind schedule, Kerr said. But he’s certain there’s time in the season to make up the delay.

Cabela’s is even helping out, cleaning parts of the west side where village crews don’t normally get to, Kerr said.

To sign up, ask for Rose after calling public works at (847) 490-6800.