FINAL EXAM
A. BIKE TRAIL CLEAN-UP
(25 points)
Plastic! It gets everywhere, to the detriment of our land, our rivers, and our oceans. The white stuff in the photo to the right is not snow.
This activity gives you the chance to remove recyclables and other trash from two of Madison’s bike trails:
(1) The Southwest Commuter Path (near Allied Drive) where it joins the Capital City Trail. The first photo shows where the SW Corridor goes under Verona Road. The second is past the bridge underpass, along Allied Drive. Look here for plastic, aluminum cans, and trash.
Once collected, the trash can be put in the dumpsters for the housing units near the trail. Also look for a recycling dumpster. I found one at Light Haus, right before the underpass. Don’t forget to photograph your recyclables first!
OR
(2) The new Cannonball Path (near the new bridge over the Beltline).
Where to put your recyclables and trash? Near the bridge, there is a store with a recycling dumpster. See photos below. Further along by Post Road, the trail runs by housing units. These have recycling dumpsters as well.
Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to spend 4 hours bagging trash and recyclables. Count 1 hour of this as travel time, preferably via bike (but it is possible to drive). In either case, bring your own plastic trash bags.
Why select this assignment (as opposed to the other choices)?
This activity is your chance to be outdoors and on your own. Also, it’s an opportunity to make a difference to the residents, trail riders, and joggers in Madison neighborhoods.
Due: Monday, May 12th, 8:00 pm in the Learn@UW DropBox. Late penalty is -10 points.
Powerpoint slide(s) need to contain:
1. A photo of you outdoors on the trail.
2. A photo of the recyclables you collected and took to a recycling dumpster or bin.
3. A count (approximate is fine) of the recyclable cans and bottles you retrieved.
Tips for successful work:
1. Go sooner rather than later. It’s really easy to spot the trash before the vegetation is in full bloom.
2. Wear proper footwear. Spots are muddy; there may be broken glass.
3. Have you cleaned roadside trash before? If so, you know that you need to wear work gloves and protect your hands.
4. Go in a group. Be mindful of your safety.
5. If you drive, for choice (1), the Verona frontage road is your easiest point of access to the trail. For choice (2), you can park several places. One is on the other side of the beltline and walk over the new bridge. Another is right in the neighborhood on Post Road, near Leopold Elementary School.