Local residents have formed a new group in order to clean up and maintain the Carpenter Natural Area.

In collaboration with the Cortez Parks and Recreation Department, the Friends of Carpenter Reserve will host a cleanup day May 1.

According to Teri Paul, one of the group’s founders, the area has had problems with littering, graffiti, habitat destruction and damage to trails.

Paul started the group with a few of her neighbors and hopes that other locals will turn out to volunteer.

“I’m sure there are a lot of people who use the preserve and really appreciate it being there, so we hope people come,” Paul said.

The May 1 cleanup will take place from 10 a.m. to noon. Volunteers will meet up at the parking lot on the west side of the preserve off County Road 25.

anicotera@the-journal.com