Hundreds of Montrealers took to Mount Royal Sunday for its annual spring cleaning.
They filled dozens of garbage bags to get the mountain ready for the five million visitors that spend time on the mountain every year.
More than 300 volunteers pitched in to spruce up the mountain, one of many spring cleanups that took place around the city.
“This is an annual cleanup that takes place in the beginning of May. It establishes the month of May as the month of Mount Royal. It's our opening gesture,” said Peter Howlett, president of Friends of the Mountain.
The annual cleanup is an important step for protecting the mountain; helpers picked up garbage and recyclables, even checking on the health of recently planted trees.
“Not a lot of cities have a nice green space where everybody can get outside and participate, so it's important to protect it in my opinion,” said volunteer Ryan Witt.
The city wants to see more Montrealers showing ownership and pride in the mountain.
“If everyone does something like that, the city will be cleaner and more beautiful,” said city councillor Anie Samson.
Extra cleanup and tree planting days are scheduled throughout the month.
Nearly 90 bags of garbage were collected from Sunday's efforts, fewer than in past years.
“Actually the fact is that over the last 10 years the amount of garbage being picked up is diminishing which is a good sign,” said Howlett.
This cleanup kicks off Mount Royal's 140th year as a park.
