hoosiers obLITTERate

On a cold January day, I decided to obLITTERate along a road in a commercialized area of Bloomington, Indiana (home of Indiana University and this year’s undefeated national champions in college football). I chose a perimeter of College Mall across from *Latimer Woods, a tucked-away wooded preserve.

Right away, the blistering cold marked my first challenge. Despite adequate winter apparel, including gloves, my hands wanted to quit. But I was determined. As I continued, my body surprisingly acclimated to the frigid temps.

Then came my second challenge; the yard bag I brought to collect the litter wasn’t big enough. With the bag in tow and filled to the top, I reached the “College Mall” sign after only half a mile. I had wanted to cross the road and clean up more litter caught in the fence bordering the preserve. I thought I’d have to call it quits again. So, imagine my excitement when I spotted an oversized discarded bag in a run-off ditch, a bag large enough to continue obLITTERating!

In approximately a 1 mile trek, over 16 pounds of litter was obLITTERated. Indeed, even when challenged, obLITTERate was proudly undefeated!

*To Be Preserved Forever As Woodland

“Latimer Woods, containing approximately ten acres, was once part of the 111 acre Latimer Farm, located east of Bloomington in farm country. Due to the love and appreciation of the woods by the Latimer heirs, it has been preserved in its woodland state since originally purchased by Samuel Latimer in 1853.

Latimer Woods has been set aside in perpetuity for the benefit of wildlife and plant communities, for the study of botanical, zoological and geological phenomena, and for the enjoyment of the public in visiting this unique piece of property.

Donated to the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County, Inc.

November 23, 1999 by the Latimer heirs.”

*If you’d like to give, please donate here.