Thanks to all who help with spring cleanup

Spring is a sweet time in Alaska. Although it seemed at times that winter would never loosen its grip on us this year, the days are warming and lengthening, and spring has surely arrived.

The first flocks of migratory birds and waterfowl have returned. Hungry bears have risen from their winter slumber in search of a good meal.

Soon, newborn moose will appear, ice-free lakes and rivers will beckon fishermen and the natural beauty of the Valley will bloom in full summer glory.

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

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 form the windows of their vehicles, or those 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, are underway. Orange-vested crews are clearing trash out of ditches and doing their part — usually voluntarily — to keep the community sparkling and make the Valley a better place to live for all of us. Spring cleaning will continue 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.