Flint spring cleanup to honor community advocate Heather Burnash

FLINT, Mich. — A downtown cleanup effort will bring residents together to beautify the city while honoring the legacy of a longtime community advocate.

The What’s Up Downtown Project will host its annual Spring Cleanup on Saturday, May 2, from 10 a.m. to noon, beginning at the Greater Flint Arts Council (GFAC).

This year’s event is dedicated to Heather Burnash, a Flint attorney and community advocate who died Jan. 5, 2026, at age 50 after a battle with cancer. The cleanup will continue her commitment to community stewardship and neighborhood care.

Volunteers will break into groups and work throughout downtown, focusing on trash pickup, planting flowers and assisting local businesses with outdoor upkeep. Groups will begin at the GFAC before moving toward Riverbank Park and surrounding areas.

Cleanup supplies, including gloves, will be provided.

The event is open to the public and the What’s Up Downtown Project is encouraging residents, business owners and community groups to participate.

For more information and RSVP details, visit the Spring Cleanup’s Facebook event page.