Yes that makes sense. I think we should start by mapping out which blocks need the most attention. The park area near Elm Street has overgrown shrubs and some litter along the fence line. If we focus on that section first we can clear it in about two hours with eight volunteers. I can bring the heavy-duty trash bags and rakes. Let me also check if the community center will provide gloves. We could then move to the corner lot on Maple. That one is mostly weeds but the soil is good so maybe we can plant a few native flowers if the budget allows. I will send an email to the hardware store asking for a discount on mulch. Let me know if you want to adjust the route or add another spot.

I think we should stick to the route through the mountains rather than the coastal highway. The mountain drive adds about an hour but the scenery is much better and there are several overlooks where we can stop for photos. We can leave early Saturday morning, drive for three hours, then stop at that diner you liked near the state line. After lunch we can hit the trailhead for a short hike. I already checked the weather and it looks clear. For accommodations I was thinking we could book a cabin near the lake. It has two bedrooms and a kitchen so we can cook dinner instead of eating out every night. That should save some money. I will reserve it as soon as you confirm. Let me know if you want to add any other stops or if you prefer a different departure time.