MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – A new initiative in Marquette County is turning outdoor adventure into environmental action.
Whether you’re hiking, biking, or just relaxing by the lake, a new digital passport program wants you to clean up along the way. It’s called Collect Marquette. It’s rewarding people for helping to keep Marquette County beautiful.
“And I think just making sure that you’re noticing if there is any garbage on the ground that you have something to be able to pick it up with, put it in the bag, bring it back to our office, and receive the reusable bag,” said Travel Marquette CEO, Susan Estler.
Participants can stop by the Travel Marquette office to pick up gloves and a trash bag, then check in using the digital “Collect Marquette” passport at any of 22 scenic locations across the county.
“After you receive one of our bags and some gloves to pick up trash, fill the bag up and bring it back here, and we will give you a shopping bag that is a green, reusable shopping bag that is reusable,” said Estler.
When you’re done, bring your full bag of trash back to the Travel Marquette office, and you’ll get a limited edition tote bag and a chance to win one of three $150 gift cards to local businesses.
“And it’ll give us a good indication also when people check in on the app at different locations where people are getting their trash from and where might be places that need a little more extra TLC,” said Estler.
From McCarty’s Cove to the Ramba Trailhead, the initiative runs through the end of summer, giving everyone time to check in, clean up, and make an impact.
