“So, we’re cleaning up the Lakewalk from the Canal, around the corner and on toward Leif Erikson Park, as well as the parking lots and the other areas of Lake Place Park too,” said Jim Topie, President of Friends of the Lakewalk.

Canal Park, having become a popular Twin Ports tourist destination, sees thousands of people a day. With so many people coming in, the trash begins to pile up.

“The Lakewalk is a real public area,” Topie said, wanting to make sure it stays a special place. “We call it a crown jewel for Duluth. So, with that, making sure that it’s picked up and clean is a good representation to both our community as well as our visitors.”

Dressed alike in bright blue and yellow, over forty volunteers are making the Lakewalk cleanup their mission.

“It kind of warms my heart because it’s nice to see that other people feel the same way that I do about keeping Duluth cleaned up and it’s just a beautiful city to live,” said Steve Aulie, member of Friends of the Lakewalk.

It takes everyone to keep the cleanup going, and Aulie hopes to see more people taking their part to make sure the Lakewalk stays beautiful for years to come.

“I think if everybody that uses a Lakewalk can do their part and if they see some litter along the way, if you can pick it up and drop it in the garbage can along the way because every little bit helps.”

Click here to learn more about Friends of the Lakewalk.