By J.W. Jones
For the Carter County Times
A new group, formed in what supporters have described as a display of community spirit and environmental stewardship, has taken on the task of cleaning up various natural areas, including a recent cleanup in Grayson.
Recently the group of passionate volunteers led by retired veteran, Mike Thornton, took it upon themselves to clean up the wetlands in the Daniel Boone area. What started as a simple act of picking up trash turned into a movement that now aims to make Kentucky the cleanest state in the nation.
The group, lovingly called Trash-Talkin’, is dedicated to both cleaning up nature and providing a safe space for open conversations. Veterans, active service members, and their families along with everyone else are invited to participate in these gatherings, where they not only clean up parks, trailheads, and lakes but also build meaningful friendships along the way.
The recent cleanup effort at the wetlands in the Daniel Boone area showcased the power of unity and community collaboration, the group said. With the support of local rangers and wildlife preservation officers, Trash-Talkin’ hopes the area will remain clean and inviting for both animals and humans. Trash-Talkin’ extended a heartfelt thank you to these dedicated individuals for their ongoing efforts in maintaining the beauty and safety of this recreational area.
Thornton, the driving force behind Trash-Talkin’, also expressed gratitude to the Grayson community for their support and encouraged them to take ownership of their surroundings.
“If you are tired of seeing sites like this in your town, we can help,” Thornton emphasized.
The group is ready to lend a hand and clean up areas in other communities, but due to limited funds, they rely on the community’s assistance in bringing them to the desired locations.
As a retired veteran, Thornton is dedicated to giving back to communities across Kentucky. Through Trash-Talkin’, Thornton not only cleans up areas in need but also empowers community members to take charge of their environment. The movement seeks to inspire individuals to be part of the solution rather than the problem.
The recent cleanup in Grayson, with the support of local waste management teams, proved to be a resounding success, they said. Volunteers, including Angela DeHart, Jeff Miller, Dakota Dustin, and others, played crucial roles in making the cleanup effort a grand triumph. Together, they collected an astounding haul of 65 trash bags, along with various items such as baby strollers, metal lawn chairs, an umbrella, a 32 inch television, and even a twin mattress.
Trash-Talkin’ plans to continue their efforts in Grayson, with another major cleanup scheduled for an area between Grayson and Olive Hill. The group aims to tackle this challenging task in collaboration with the Carter County waste management team. The support and involvement of the community are paramount to the success of these initiatives.
Thornton said the Sure Stay Best Western in Grayson also deserved special recognition for their “warm hospitality and support” during the cleanup effort. He said the entire Trash-Talkin’ crew expressed their heartfelt gratitude to John and all the staff for making them feel like family.
With Trash-Talkin’ gaining momentum, the movement eagerly invites more individuals to join in their upcoming cleanup efforts. He said he hopes the group’s commitment to both the environment and building strong, supportive communities is an inspiration to all. Together, he said, they hope to prove that nothing is ever hopeless when we come together as one.
He noted that Trash-Talkin’ is just getting started, and their vision of a clean and united Kentucky is within reach. If you’re interested in supporting the group, you can reach out to Thornton and the Trash Talkin’ crew via social media.
Dustin added that they have also set a challenge to help a friend who wants to collectively pick up more than 25,000 bags of garbage by Earth Day. Anyone who would like to contribute their time to that challenge is also encouraged to reach out.
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