Thanks to all who help with spring cleanup

Spring is a sweet time in Alaska. Although the winter just past never seemed to fully take hold, it is no less intoxicating to once again feel the days warming and witness daylight’s return.

Alaskans, by and large, love the winter months. But with disappearing snow comes a feeling of anticipation. By May, even the most die-hard winter recreationists are ready to trade in their skis and snowmachines for hiking boots, four-wheelers, sunblock and mosquito repellent.

As a sign of our particularly mild winter, the Palmer Golf Course opened all 18 holes April 21 — the earliest opening on record. Sprinklers were turned on Thursday to hasten the greening of the course, according to director of golf George Collum III. The clubhouse is open, too, and is a great spot to eat a meal or join friends for an adult beverage on the deck after a long day in the office.

In recent days, we’ve seen — and heard — the return of migratory birds and waterfowl. Our hearts raced a bit at the familiar sound of the rackety Sandhill cranes as they winging their way over the Valley this week.

Hungry bears — and mosquitoes — have risen from their winter slumber in search of a good meal. Soon, newborn moose will appear. Babies are already arriving at the Musk Ox Farm in Palmer, which opens to visitors beginning next weekend.

Along with these trusty and welcome signs of spring, ice-free lakes and rivers now beckon fishermen, and the natural beauty of the Valley is beginning to bloom in its full summer glory.

But before snow-free roadsides burst forth in colorful splashes of wildflowers, something much less attractive is lingering — a winter’s worth of accumulated litter and wind-blown trash. While it is tempting to be critical of those inconsiderate souls who thoughtlessly flick cigarette butts and fling beverage containers from the windows of their vehicles, or who can’t be bothered to secure a truckload of trash, we are more grateful for those among us who care enough to help rid the Valley of this seasonal eyesore.

Take a look around the Mat-Su now, and you’ll see cleanup efforts, small and large, in full swing. Day-glo-vested volunteers are clearing trash out of ditches and doing their part to keep the community sparkling and make the Valley a better place to live for all of us. Spring cleaning continues through the end of the month, as students, clubs, community councils and others take on their annual beautification projects.

We applaud these community-minded folks for taking the time to assist in the thankless task of sprucing up our community. Not only is it good for our collective quality of life, but it also helps us put our best foot forward in time for the annual influx of summer visitors.

Nine communities in the Mat-Su Borough have clean up events scheduled through June 7. A complete list of clean up events is published on Page 12 of today’s Frontiersman.

If you haven’t previously picked up yellow bags, filled them, and turned them in at designated drop-off spots for a chance to win prizes — consider lending your hands to the effort this year. It’s a great way to give back to your community while getting a bit of exercise.