New Haven Independent

Rob Danilowicz (pictured) of Pleasant Street hauled the battery out of the woods along English Drive at the foot of the park. He was one of a few dozen East Rock neighbors who shared trash-pokers, botanical wisdom and good cheer at a cleanup and barbecue Saturday.

Organizers Justin Elicker and Betty Thompson touted the day as a “grand rebirth” of the Friends of East Rock Park group, which is designed to bring neighbors together around a common purpose.

Melina Shannon-DiPietro (at right), a co-director of Yale’s sustainable food project, filled a bag with her intrepid young neighbors, Nate and Sabra Stratton.

Wray Williams (pictured at right, with Greta Hotopp and Daniel Schaefer), a park ranger over at the West Rock Nature Center, came to the East side to share parks department trash-pinchers and woodsman’s expertise. (Wash those shoelaces after stepping in poison ivy.)

East Rock Alderman Allan Brison stopped by for some trash-plucking before heading off to a Green Party confab.

Indy commenter Ned (not pictured) threw out some invasive weeds, including stems of marijuana found in a dime bag. Other items hauled out of the woods: diapers, cannisters of oil, a tire, crack baggies, condoms and beer bottles.

This well-behaved boxer (pet of a parole officer) kept an eye on the trail.

Rebecca Turcio (pictured at right), aka Cedar Hill Resident, showed up with a group from her neighborhood. More troops came in for a well-attended post-cleanup barbecue — click here to see her pictures from the event.

To get involved, email Justin here.