NORTH CAROLINA – Nearly 200 volunteers and staff were spread out for miles on the parkway Saturday.

• Many volunteers say it’s important to keep the place clean and give back
• Parkway staff say it’s important for everyone to do their part
• They say if you are walking around the woods or near the lake and you see garbage pick it up

It’s almost time for Julian Price Campground to be open for the season and many volunteers are cleaning up leaves, garbage, glass and getting ready for campers to arrive.

“It's my responsibility as much as the next person to keep earth clean and accessible,” volunteer Ophelia McCartney said.

Many volunteers say it’s important to keep the place clean and give back.

“We don't want trash getting into the woods and we don't want trash running down into streams because there are a lot of trout streams running off the mountain,” volunteer Ken Carpenter said.

Parkway staff say it’s important for everyone to do their part. They say if you are walking around the woods or near the lake and you see garbage pick it up.

“We don't have a whole lot of staff to walk around and pick up the trash. If you’re out hiking and you see an aluminum can or something if would be great if you can pick it up and take care of it,” Blue Ridge Parkway Wildlife biologist Bob Cherry said.