Those behind the recent ATB Community Cleanup efforts at Sunset and Jokerst parks in Festus hope it’s just the start of something even bigger and better.
Denny Foster, co-owner of the Main & Mill Brewing Co. brewery and restaurant in Festus, spearheaded the ATB Community Cleanup group. ATB stands for All Terrain Beer, which his business is brewing and then earmarking part of the profits from those sales to support outdoor spaces and facilities in Jefferson County.
“It’s a multifaceted project,” Foster said. “We wanted to have a beer to help give back, to give to green spaces. We’re doing cleanup projects and we’ll be donating to outdoor projects.”
He said the first cause the group will donate to is Plattin Peak Trails, a bicycling and hiking area south of Festus that is being developed by the Living Life on 2 Wheels nonprofit group that promotes bike riding and provides schools with bikes so students may learn how to ride.
Chris and Rene Creed, owners of Pedal’n Pi bike and pizza shop in Crystal City, run the Living Life on 2 Wheels group.
“We are committed to doing anything we can to help (the Creeds) make this an incredible addition to Jefferson County,” Foster said.
He said he has spoken with officials from Pevely and Herculaneum about future cleanup efforts in their cities and plans to speak to Crystal City leaders spoon. He intends for cleanups to happen “multiple” times a year.
The cleanup at Sunset and Jokerst parks on June 17 were deliberately smaller efforts, with mainly Main & Mill employees and friends volunteering, to get the ball rolling on larger projects, Foster said.
“It was kind of the pilot of the project,” said Brandon Bischoff, Main & Mill’s brewer. “I believe we’ll grow from this to bigger things.”
The cleanup started at the Byrd Sanctuary in Sunset Park, which has a small creek running through it, and Bischoff instructed the volunteers to pick up trash and pull out weeds.
Volunteers were provided with gloves, trash bags and other items to use in the cleanup.
Candace Siebert, Herculaneum park superintendent, said she took part in the Festus cleanups.
“I think (ATB Community Cleanup) is a good idea,” Siebert said. “Picking up litter is important to me. When I heard about this, I said, ‘Sign me up.’”
Kelly Scroggin of Festus, one of Foster’s friends, participated in the cleanups.
“I love it,” she said. “I walk through town a lot and I pick up litter. This is near and dear to my heart.”
Following the cleanups, volunteers were invited to stay at Jokerst for a barbecue.
For more information about ATB Community Cleanup, visit mainandmill.com and go to ATB PROJECT.