AT GREEN UP VERMONT
We live our mission to keep Vermont beautiful.
Green Up Vermont’s mission is to promote the stewardship of our state’s natural landscape and waterways, and the livability of our communities by involving people in Green Up Day while raising public awareness about the health, economic, and visual benefits of a litter-free environment year-round.
The History of Green Up Vermont
The story of a fine idea that has created a legacy for those who acted upon the concept in 1970 to a much-loved Springtime tradition of Vermonters today. …And more to come.
1969
FROM IDEA…
Robert Babcock (right of center) then a Burlington Free Press reporter, approaches Governor Deane Davis with the idea of cleaning up Vermont’s roadsides. Governor Davis decides they need a year to plan the event and appoints Robert Babcock and Ted Riehle (left of center) from his senior staff to co-chair the steering committee.
1970
…TO REALITY
The first Green Up Day is launched statewide by Governor Deane Davis on April 18, 1970. The Interstate Highways close 9am–12pm for litter pick up by volunteers. Schools bused kids all over Vermont to lend a hand while the Governor covered many miles in his helicopter, landing on the Intersate to praise volunteers.
4/18
THE RESULTS
A very successful first Green Up Day was reported in newspapers throughout the state. 70,000 volunteers cleaned up nearly 100% of all roads and because 90% of litter picked up were beer bottles, state government passed the “Bottle Bill.” Estimated savings from Green Up Day saved taxpayers $200,000 in road clean up fees.
1979
A PRIVATE NONPROFIT
After almost a decade under the direction of the Governor’s office, a group of concerned citizens came together to form the nonprofit Vermont Green Up Inc., and became responsible for continuing the success of Green Up Day. Green Up Vermont was incorporated in Shoreham, by a Vermonter named Merrill Durdan.
1980
THE POSTER ART CONTEST
The Green Up Poster Art Contest launched and kids across the state submitted their masterpieces. Each year the winner receives a cash prize and an invitation to the statehouse to be applauded by the governor. The artwork has always been used on the Green Up Day promotional poster and in additional marketing.
1995
STRUCTURE & STABILITY
After serious economic instability in the early 1990’s, Board Chair Sheldon Prentice secures a loan for Vermont Green Up Inc. and the Board hires Melinda Vieux to lead the organization as Executive Director. Melinda, almost immediately, changed the dba name of Vermont Green Up to Green Up Vermont to be more actionable.
2014
FIRMER GROUND
May 2014, Ms. Vieux succeeds in getting the legislature to pass a bill adding Green Up Vermont as the fourth charitable giving organization on the State Income Tax Return. Green Up Vermont diversifies its income by increasing individual giving and by building its corporate partnership.
2020
WE CELEBRATED 50 YEARS!
In 2020, in the midst of a global pandemic Green Up Vermont celebrated an amazing milestone – its 50th Anniversary of service to Vermont and keeping our environment cleaned up. If you do the math (based on the 2020 stats), that’s over 24 million pounds of litter and 450,000 tires!
20…
…AND MORE TO COME
Green Up Vermont is committed to building on the past success by working hard to increase participation, programs, and educational resources by connecting businesses, communities, residents, and visitors caring for our very special environment called Vermont.
Our Board of Directors
Our board is extremely passionate about Green Up Day and the effect it has on Vermont. Our common goal is to build the initiatives of Green Up Vermont to reach communities year-round creating a sustainable future for our beautiful Vermont.
Parker Riehle
President
Parker launched First Tracks Strategies, LLC in 2017, a public affairs and communications firm, after serving as the ski industry’s chief lobbyist and media spokesperson for the Vermont Ski Area Association, while managing their marketing and public relations initiatives. He previously served on Governor Douglas’ senior staff.
Ara Hagan
Vice President
Ara is President/Creative Strategist of Hagan Associates, a full service marketing firm in Essex Junction. Ara is a graduate of Rochester Institute of Technology and specializes in creative strategy, market research, media planning, and understanding user experience (UX). She and her family enjoy many outdoor activities.
Caleb Basa
Board Member
Caleb graduated from the University of Vermont in 2018 with a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and spent two seasons working for the State of Vermont managing aquatic invasive species and is now the programs coordinator at Middlebury Area Land Trust. He values sharing his passion for the outdoors and leading others towards the wonders that nature has to offer.
Justin Brown
Board Member
Justin is an attorney at Sheehey Furlong & Behm P.C. He practices in both federal and state trial and appellate courts, and before administrative agencies and boards. Justin represents businesses and individuals in complex civil litigation, white collar and felony criminal defense, and internal investigations.
Mike Casella
President
Mike is the GM of Casella Waste Systems, Inc. and brings broad experience in both the private and public sectors, particularly in the field of waste and recycling. He has been a member of numerous industry-and community service-related state and local boards and commissions and has served on various state task forces.
Corinna Costello
Treasurer
Corinna is the VP of Government Guaranteed Lending at People’s United Bank and for the last 21 years, has worked with US SBA (Small Business Administration) loans in VT, ME and NH. She participated in Green Up Days as a child in Island Pond and has fond memories which drove her to be on the Green Up board.
Erin Desautels
Board Member
Erin is Principal at Vermont Small Business Accelerators, LLC and specializes in business and economic development. Previously she was the Member Engagement & Events Director at Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce. She is actively involved in assisting the non-profit community and serves on several boards.
Lucas Herring
Board Member
Lucas is a resident of Barre City, where he has served on City Council for the past decade and as past Mayor. By day, he is also the IT Director for the Agency of Digital Services serving the Department of Corrections. Lucas also serves with many other organizations within his community where he promotes community service and being a part of events like Green Up Day.
Bryn Oakleaf
Board Member
Bryn is a program manager at Efficiency Vermont providing leadership for EVT programs and initiatives to ensure that programs align with and meet strategic objectives. Previously she was an Environmental Analyst at the State’s Agency of Natural Resources
Denise Palmer
Board Member
Denise is a Financial Advisor with Ameriprise Financial (formerly American Express Financial Advisors) in Barre Vermont. She has been in business for twenty years and currently holds the ChFC and CLTC designations. She resides in New Haven.
Heather Pelham
Board Member
Heather is the Commissioner in the Dept. of Tourism & Marketing and previously the Chief Marketing Officer for the State of Vermont. She serves as steward of the Vermont brand. Prior to joining state, Pelham was the managing partner of an advertising and design firm.
Gene Richards
Board Member
Gene is a life-long entrepreneur and philanthropist. Currently he is the Director of Aviation at the Burlington International Airport. He began his career as VP of Bank of Boston’s mortgage department and went on to incorporate Spruce Mortgage where he still serves as CEO.
Kate Alberghini
Executive Director
Kate has a background in design, marketing, and event planning and joined Green Up Vermont in Oct. 2019, right before the pandemic hit. Prior to that she helped many small businesses develop their brands and built and produced the Vermont Women’s Expo.
DECLARATION OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
Green Up Vermont and its board of directors, condemn racism and welcomes all persons, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, age, or disability, and want everyone to feel safe and welcome in our communities.
As an organization, we formally condemn all discrimination in all of its forms, supports fair and equal treatment of everyone in all of our communities, and will strive to ensure all of our actions, policies, and operating procedures reflect this commitment.
Green Up Vermont has and will continue to support a place where individuals can live freely and express their opinions.
Adopted by Green Up Vermont employees, officers, and board of directors on September 28, 2022.
50th Anniversary Podcast
Green Up Vermont and Amanda Gustin of the Vermont Historical Society teamed up to create a special oral report on the history of Green Up Day on Before Your Time by Lovejoy. Click the logo below to listen and enjoy!
In the News…
A sincere thank you to all the press and news outlets for helping us share the Green Up stories.
IN PRINT
June 19, 2020
Washington Post – Vermont borders states with major covid-19 outbreaks, but you won’t find that here
Anyone visiting or returning to Vermont had to quarantine for 14 days. … state’s annual “Green Up Day” in late May to pick up litter from the roadside. Four score turned out for Dover’s Green Up Day. MORE
Deerfield Valley News – Volunteers followed COVID-19 safety guidelines, and since Green Up Day is by nature an activity of social distancing, the 50th year was a success. MORE
June 9, 2020
Brattleboro Reformer – Green Up Day delayed, not deterred
BRATTLEBORO — Green Up Day, a volunteer roadside cleanup effort, … MORE
Barre Montpelier Times Argus – Talk of the town
Central Vermont Medical Center is a short hop from Montpelier, and … week thanks to the folks at Green Up Vermont has an awful lot of growing to do. MORE
June 4, 2020
The Herald – Greening Up Rochester
Towns throughout Vermont held their annual Green Up Day cleanup event last Saturday, May 30—four weeks later than originally planned, due to the … MORE
June 3, 2020
Mountain Times – Amazing care from an incredible Vermont family
Amazing care from an incredible Vermont family … bike trails were, talked about their next paddle adventure or was getting stoked for Green Up Day. MORE
ON THE TUBE
June 9, 2020
BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) Green Up Day is finally happening.
On Saturday, volunteers will give Mother Earth a spring cleaning. Usually, it’s the first … MORE
WINOOSKI, Vt. (WCAX) Volunteers participate in 50th anniversary of Green Up Day.
Despite the pandemic, many still came together for the 50th anniversary of Green Up Day. In Winooski, a small group of CCV students met up, to …MORE
ON THE NET
June 11, 2020
Waterbury Round About (there’s a spot to click at the bottom for photos)
Duxbury letter with a couple of photos too.
June 9, 2020
Vermont Biz – Community College of Vermont teams up to Green Up
Green Up Vermont’s executive director Kate Alberghini expressed her appreciation for CCV’s efforts. “With all of the challenges that the pandemic … MORE
June 4, 2020
Vermont Biz – Community College of Vermont teams up to Green Up
Both CCV and Green Up Vermont are celebrating 50th anniversaries in … “I am especially proud to be a team captain for Green Up Day because I … MORE
SOCIAL SHARING
To come.
