The Management Team and Board of Directors at Engage Estero are pleased to let residents know that the enthusiasm and pride in our community is “alive and well!”

Since 2020, Engage Estero’s effort, headed by Julie Yellig and many volunteers, has kept our environment pristine and a special place to live. This effort, along with many others participating in road adoption programs or picking up litter on their regular walks, is an important part of our vision to create a beautiful and environmentally healthy Estero.

Five years ago, the idea to clean up our roads stemmed from Julie’s feeling that there was a need for our community to do better with litter prevention and removal. She was a daily walker and volunteered to pick up litter at her County Park in Cincinnati. She said it was an easy transition to explore what was already in place here in Lee County and what resources were available.

During the weekend of October 18th, as a result of volunteers’ efforts, including summertime pickup, 600 pounds of bagged litter was collected since last April. To put this into perspective, it is almost 1/3 of a ton, that would fill a large portion of a junk removal truck! In fact, since the start of the program in October 2020, the total tonnage of littler collected is a staggering 12.5 tons!

The volunteers this month represented Rapallo, Pelican Sound, RiverCreek, Bella Terra, Copperleaf, The Vines, Estero Pointe, and Riverwoods, a very warm thank you to everyone who took part.

Over the last five years, Marathon/Dos Amigos Authentic Mexican Grill has chosen to provide water and ice for the volunteers. They have agreed to do so again! Engage Estero’s management deeply appreciates their continued support for the volunteers who help with litter collection along Hwy 41. Thank you!

We also thank our volunteers and all of our community neighbors who participate in a related program, or simply pick up litter during regular walks. Everyone’s efforts make a difference and are an important part of our vision for a beautiful and environmentally healthy Estero which sets us apart from other municipalities.

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