Peirce Island Hands-On April 30

http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20110501-NEWS-105010344

PORTSMOUTH — Years of overgrown weeds, trees and brush were plucked from Peirce Island on Saturday during an annual cleanup by Seacoast rotarians.

More than 40 volunteers from the Seacoast Rotary Club and the Rotary Club of Portsmouth joined forces with members of the city's Peirce Island Committee to help spruce up a part of the island the city had identified as being in need of a face-lift.

Ted Alex, a longtime member of the Portsmouth rotary, said the cleanup was all about bringing the two civic groups together for some fellowship activities. With the help of Pace's Tree Service and Tri-City Rental, Alex said the groups were able to clear a plot of land in a matter of hours. Volunteers not only pulled dead trees and shrubs from the property, but also picked up a lot of trash and debris, he said.

Alex said Saturday's cleanup marks the continuation of years of activities dedicated to beautifying the island. "It isn't just about writing a check; it's about putting in the work and the labor," he said.

Midge Nelson, president of the Seacoast Rotary Club, said the event was the first time the two rotary groups have come together for a common purpose. Nelson said she considered the cleanup to be a "springboard" for more collaboration between the two groups in the coming year.

As chairman of the Peirce Island Committee, Steve Marison said the volunteerism has helped transform the 27-acre island into a real community attraction over the years. Marison said the island was once home to a dairy farm and at one time was a place where all types of "shenanigans" occurred.

By clearing out the brush and debris, Marison said the island and its many trails will become more open and inviting to the public.

"This used to be a place where people would dump trash," he said. "Today, people bring their dogs to walk, they fish and visit the city pool. It's great we are able to get help to preserve it."