Ahead of its 2025 market season, the Statesboro Main Street Farmers Market team organized a cleanup of the Willie McTell Trail, which runs behind the market building in downtown Statesboro.
The cleanup kicked off at 10:00am at The Market at Visit Statesboro. Volunteers of all ages showed up with trash bags, gloves, and grabbers, ready to make a difference. The volunteers who participated included a mix of market vendors, Visit Statesboro staff, and community members eager to lend a hand. Many brought their own gloves, while others were able to use the supplies provided.
The goal was simple: to clear debris from the trail, a popular spot for walking, cycling, and enjoying nature. By the time the event wrapped up, the trail was noticeably cleaner, making it a more inviting space for residents and visitors alike as they explore the market and surrounding areas.
As the group made their way through the trail, they discovered a variety of forgotten or discarded items. From scattered pieces of paper and old clothes to a shopping cart that had been pulled from the creek and even a mini sink, there was no shortage of waste that had accumulated over time.
It was a reminder of how much waste can accumulate when we overlook our surroundings, but also a clear example of how much can be accomplished when people come together to make a change.
The timing of the cleanup was ideal, aligning with the upcoming Saturday Market season, which begins on April 5, 2025, at 9:00am. The market offers fresh, locally grown produce, homemade goods, and more, staying true to its mission of supporting local agriculture and small businesses.
The McTell Trail runs through downtown Statesboro, and for many, serves as a key connection for many market-goers. Keeping the trail clean enhances the overall experience for attendees and helps keep the area inviting for the community.
Kelsie Cobb, Market Manager for Statesboro Main Street Farmers Market, expressed her appreciation for the turnout. “The turnout was wonderful, better than we anticipated, and we’re very grateful for such a successful turnout for the first one,” Cobb said. “The goal is to do this more frequently, hopefully once a month or every other month. We live close by and walk this trail all of the time, and when we do, we pick up trash as we walk, but two people can only do so much. To see all of the support and extra hands makes me happy.”
Among the volunteers were Dr. Kate Perry and her son, Will Perry. Will, who is just 16, shared his thoughts about the cleanup experience.
“There was a lot of trash, and a lot of it seemed like it had been there for a while. Stuff tucked away in corners that people might not easily look or clean as they’re just walking by,” he said. “I think it's important to help clean up your community. A lot of people don't care when they see stuff off to the side, but that can really hurt the animals out here. I was over in the trees, and I saw where a paper bag had a tree starting to grow off it. You can’t have stuff like that.”
Dr. Kate Perry added, “It’s important to give back where and when we can. I hope more people will take advantage of opportunities like this. Just take an hour out of your time to come out, enjoy the beautiful weather, and help clean up. It feels good to walk down the trail and see how much better it looks. It’s like the Earth is saying thank you when you're out here.”
The cleanup provided an opportunity for neighbors to meet, share stories, and enjoy the outdoors, all while making a tangible difference in their community. It was also a reminder of how essential it is to care for the spaces we all enjoy.
The Statesboro Main Street Farmers Market has always been a key part of the community, supporting local farmers, artisans, and small businesses. By taking care of the areas surrounding the market, like the McTell Trail, the market team is helping ensure that Statesboro remains an appealing place for everyone to visit and support. The trail cleanup was a great way to kick off the new market season and set the tone for the months ahead.
The market opens for the 2025 season at 9am on Saturday, April 5 and is located at 222 S. Main St. in Statesboro. For more information about the Statesboro Main Street Farmers Market or upcoming events, visit their official website or contact Kelsie Cobb at [email protected].
