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Boy Scouts, Brownies, religious groups and garden clubs joined together Saturday to clear debris, rake leaves and sweep streets and tennis courts throughout Western Springs.

“It was a very good day. We had a lot of residents come out and clean the parks and have fun while doing something good,” said organizer Sarah Derr. “I also think people had an opportunity to learn about their community, the different organizations in Western Springs and maybe work with people they didn’t know before.”

Groups participating were Boy Scout troops 3, 12, 117 and 216, Cub Scout packs 4 and 65, St. John of the Cross confirmation class, St. James Lutheran Church, Brownies from Field Park and Highlands Elementary, Ogalala, St. John of the Cross and Field Park Indian Princess tribes, Forest Hills Daisy Troop, Young Life, Ridgewood Homeowners Association, Nazareth Academy, and the Western Springs Little League, Rotary, Masonic Lodge and Garden Club.

The Neighborhood Environmental Appearance Team event is one of two spring cleanups held each year. The tradition began more than 30 years ago as a way to clear litter and debris that accumulates in public areas of the village during the winter.

“The weather was really good this year. I can’t remember such a nice day for NEAT,” Derr said. “The weather definitely contributed to the high turnout this year.”

She also attributed to turnout, estimated at 350 volunteers, to work by Western Springs Park District Director John Robinson, who helped promote the event that cleared a lot of litter from parks, sports fields and tennis courts. Groups also cleared debris from the BNSF Railroad rights of way and planted flowers in public gardens.

Volunteers began their morning at the Western Springs Recreation Center where they signed in and picked up bundles of yard waste bags and garbage bags provided by the village. Participants were also treated to snacks provided by the organizers, The Western Springs Garden Club.

“At one point the Little League had a line going out the door of families registering for NEAT Day,” Deer said. “I had volunteers in more of the parks this year.”