National Grid employees Celebrate Earth Day at Camillus Erie Canal Park

BY Jason Gabak

Editor

Volunteer, that was the word of the day as more than 100 National grid employees gathered to give their time in support of the local community at locations across Onondaga County last Friday.

Several dozen were gathered at Camillus’ Erie Canal Park to assist with maintenance and cleanup along the trail.

Melanie Littlejohn, National Grid regional executive for Upstate New York was joined by New York State Senator John DeFrancisco and David Beebe of the Camillus Erie Canal Park, in praise of the work and dedication of volunteers.

Littlejohn recognized National Grid’s receipt of the Tree Line USA Award from the Arbor Day Foundation for the 17th year in a row.

The award is given in recognition of its efforts to achieve safe, reliable electric service and abundant, healthy trees across its service area.

She said this is the result of the tireless dedication of the employees of national Grid and their commitment to the communities they serve.

“We have over 100 men and women out in the community today,” Littlejohn said. “They represent an important part of who we are. We have received the Treeline award for the 17th year in a row and this is the ninth year in a row we have done this kind of community service project.. I have to give a big thank you to all of you. All of you make this possible.”

DeFrancisco recalled working with Dave and Liz Beebe over the years as the Erie Canal Park has grown into what he said he considers to be one of the jewels of the area.

From the Beebes to a host of volunteers, he said the park would not be possible were not for the people willing to give their time.

“I’ve been involved with the Beebe for years,” DeFrancisco said. “The park would not be here if not for all of the volunteers over the years.”

This dedication also extends to the employees of National Grid.

According to DeFransisco, their assistance over the years has been invaluable to making the canal park what it is today.

“It is a jewel of our community,” DeFransisco said. “If it weren;t for volunteers it wouldn’t be able to be enjoyed like it is by so many people today. I have to thank all of you. The work you do is fantastic. It is a very good thing all of you are doing and I thank you very much.”

Dave Beebe took a few minutes to reflect on the eyars of work that have gone into the canal park and the assistance of numerous volunteers and DeFransisco, who helped secure funds for the purchase of the boat used to navigate the canal.

Beebe said the results of the work along the canal are tangible.

With a canal system that stretches across the state from Albany to Buffalo, Beebe said according to a 2011 study, more than 270,000 people have visited and used the canal system and parks.

“ A lot of people have come through here,” Beebe said. “So many volunteers have helped to make this possible. I have to than you all very much for your help here today.”

Volunteers also replaced a drainage culvert that runs along the Camillus canal trail and adjacent towpath as part of a Mule Path Subsidence Project.

The culvert recently collapsed and caused portions of the trail to flood and erode.

The installation of a new culvert will allow the water to drain properly and help to mitigate erosion.

In addition, volunteers will widen and mulch the towpath to improve the moisture retention and organic composition of the soil, and to reduce erosion and impact to the surrounding forest.

Known also as a “mule path,” a towpath is a flat surface located on either side of a canal and used by mules or horses to tow barges through the New York state canal system. Today the Camillus canal trail is widely used by snowmobilers and other outdoor enthusiasts.