Dr. Karen Bell

Keep Liberty Beautiful

There is something special about spending a Saturday morning outdoors, giving back to your community, and enjoying one of Liberty County’s historic treasures. This Saturday, September 26, Keep Liberty Beautiful (KLB) is partnering with Fort Morris to do just that during Your State Parks Day.

From 9 a.m. to noon, community volunteers are invited to join us at Fort Morris for a cleanup and beautification project. Even better, participants can visit Fort Morris free of charge as part of Your State Parks Day.

Our community’s participation is important to the success of this event. We will spend the morning helping improve the Fort Morris site by clearing branches, removing debris, and tackling other tasks that will help keep this historic location clean, safe, and inviting for visitors. Whether you have participated in one of our cleanups before or this will be your first time, we would love to have you join us. KLB and Fort Morris will provide the necessary equipment, and we will work together to make sure everyone has a safe and enjoyable morning.

To register, call Fort Morris at (912) 884-5999 or sign up through the Keep Liberty Beautiful website. You can also contact KLB at (912) 880-4888 or email klcb@libertycountyga.gov.

Have you ever wondered why parks matter? Parks are much more than open spaces. They are places where families gather, children play, neighbors meet, and visitors experience the natural and historical treasures of our communities. Clean, well-maintained parks also provide important environmental benefits. Green spaces can help improve air and water quality while providing habitat for wildlife. They also give people an opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy the outdoors.

When a park is littered or poorly maintained, however, the experience can quickly change. Trash and debris can create hazards, attract pests, and make visitors feel that a location is not cared for. Nobody wants to spend time in a park surrounded by litter. Keeping our parks clean is something we can all help accomplish. It starts with simple actions such as carrying your trash home or placing it in the appropriate receptacle, recycling when possible, and reporting problems when you see them. It also means being willing to roll up your sleeves and volunteer when our community needs help.

That is why cleanup events such as Saturday’s Fort Morris project matter. They are not simply about picking up trash or clearing debris. They give neighbors opportunities to work side by side and take ownership of the places we all enjoy. Parks can also contribute to a community’s quality of life by providing safe places for recreation and outdoor activities. When children have opportunities to play, explore, and enjoy nature, families have more opportunities to spend quality time together. Well-maintained public spaces can also strengthen community pride.

There are economic benefits as well. Attractive parks and public spaces can make a community more appealing to residents, businesses, and visitors. Historic sites such as Fort Morris are especially important because they connect us to our past while giving people opportunities to experience Liberty County’s history today.

Maintaining these places takes everyone working together. The Fort Morris cleanup is just one of many upcoming opportunities for Liberty County residents to get involved.

Keep Liberty Beautiful will also host the Rivers Alive Cleanup on October 24, helping protect our waterways and surrounding areas. This will take place at the Liberty County Community Complex in Midway, along with Tire Amnesty Day, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Check the KLB website for the date and time your city is participating.

As a community, we are fortunate to have beautiful parks, waterways, and historic places to enjoy. With that privilege comes a responsibility to care for them. So, Liberty County, grab your family, friends, or neighbors and join us this Saturday, September 26, at Fort Morris from 9 a.m. to noon for Your State Parks Day.

Come enjoy the outdoors, learn more about one of our local treasures, and lend a helping hand. Most importantly, join a community that cares about keeping Liberty County clean, green, and beautiful.

Your participation can make a difference. Together, we can Keep Liberty Beautiful!