The Chum Earth Day Community Cleanup is a volunteer-driven event that brings neighbors together to improve the environment and beautify Duluth.

Goals:

• Remove litter and debris in the Hillside neighborhood
• Prepare community garden spaces
• Beautify Chum housing sites
• Support residents through seedling and gardening projects
• Demonstrate Chum’s commitment to Duluth and environmental stewardship

This event is community-focused, family-friendly, and welcoming to groups.

Where would you like to work?

CHUM Administration Building — Garden & Lot Cleanup

Location: 21 W 1st St

Activities

• Picking up trash in the parking lot
• Raking debris
• Clearing a garden plot
• Preparing space for possible tree planting

Physical demands

• Moderate walking
• Raking and bending
• Light to moderate lifting

Hillside Neighborhood Street Cleanup

Activities

• Picking up litter along streets and sidewalks
• Cleaning alley edges and curb areas
• Helping improve the appearance of the neighborhood

Physical demands

• Walking for extended periods
• Bending and reaching
• Outdoor work

Note: Volunteers will not enter private yards.

St. Francis Apartments — Indoor Garden Project

Location: 131 W 2nd St

Activities

• Preparing garden pots with soil
• Planting seedlings indoors
• Organizing donated flower pots and supplies
• Supporting residents who want to grow plants in their apartments

Physical demands

• Light lifting (pots and soil bags)
• Standing and light bending
• Indoor work

Good fit for volunteers who prefer lighter work.

Steve O'Neil Apartments — Playground & Landscaping

Activities

• Cleaning the playground area
• Raking leaves
• Weeding and pruning
• Beautifying outdoor areas

Physical demands

• Moderate physical activity
• Raking and bending
• Outdoor work

Warming Center Grounds Cleanup

Activities

• Trash pickup around the building
• Cleaning nearby sidewalks and public spaces
• Light grounds cleanup

Physical demands

• Walking
• Standing for extended periods
• Bending and reaching

Check-In / Muster Station

Location:
Parking lot – 130 N 2nd Ave W

CHUM will set up:

• 10x10 tent
• Volunteer check-in table
• Supply distribution station
• Refreshment table
• Signage

Materials at the Table

• Volunteer waiver forms
• Volunteer sign-in sheet
• Work site assignment list
• Site maps
• Equipment distribution
• Water/snacks

Safety Orientation (Required)

All volunteers receive a 5-minute orientation before deployment.

Key points:

• Stay on public sidewalks, streets, and designated properties only
• Do not enter private yards
• Wear a safety vest and gloves
• Watch for traffic
• Do not handle hazardous materials
• Report needles or dangerous items to a site leader
• NO ELECTRONICS in the dumpster until the very end

Emergency contact numbers will be posted at the tent.