Rail Trail (noun): A beloved 3.5-mile trail that leads walkers, runners, and bikers to new destinations and experiences every day. South End Social’s Rail Trail Clean Ups add another purpose to the trail: giving back. This initiative invites neighborhood residents and visitors alike to come together, enjoy the fresh air, and help keep the trail beautiful by picking up litter as they walk. It’s a fun and meaningful way to protect our community’s natural spaces while connecting with fellow trail lovers.
About six years ago, Mike Martelette of South End Social realized that South End neighbors needed a way to give back to the community while simultaneously building their personal community. Born from his personal love of volunteering, Mike decided to begin hosting Rail Trail clean up sessions in the South End neighborhood.
Originally, Mike thought the clean ups would garner 50 attendees tops. Now, the event has grown to become a staple within the community. April 2024’s Earth Day clean up saw over 200 volunteers.
Each spring and fall season, Mike teams up with U.S. Bank, Skufca Law, The Union, and local South End businesses to produce three clean up events per season. On the day of each event, volunteers gather at the New Bern St. Light Rail Station between 10 and 11 a.m. to check in, sign waiver forms, and collect their supplies. After checking in, volunteers are free to begin their journey along the trail.
While the clean ups are mainly focused on the Rail Trail itself, Mike wants volunteers to know that they have freedom to expand beyond the paved pathway. Attendees are encouraged to explore the neighborhood between South Boulevard and South Tryon Street to continue to collect litter off the trail and discover all South End has to offer.
Following the clean up portion of the event, volunteers are invited to gather at The Union for a Volunteer Appreciation Event, where everyone receives raffle tickets, and those who are over 21 receive a free drink sponsored by Terrapin Brewing. On average, approximately 25 local businesses donate prizes to be raffled off during this event.
During the Spring 2024 cleanup events, a total of 369 volunteers participated, contributing nearly 750 hours of community service. Over the course of just these three events, the volunteers collected more than 1,500 pounds of trash. On average, each clean up event sees over 100 volunteers on the trail, with volunteers registering from as individuals and from local groups such as run clubs, Little League Baseball teams, and other social groups.
If you’re interested in attending a clean up solo, but still want the group experience, no worries! Mike and his crew will partner individuals with other volunteers and larger groups so all volunteers get the full community-building experience. According to Mike, two volunteers who met at a clean up a few years back are now engaged to be married.
Ready to register for one (or all) of the clean up events? Click the links below to RSVP!
RSVP for September 2024’s clean up