MANSFIELD - Mansfield residents will again band together in an effort to spruce up their town.

The third annual Great American Cleanup of Mansfield has been scheduled for 9 a.m. to noon on May 1.

More than 500 volunteers scattered around town at last year's event, picking up trash from roadsides and parks and collecting 200 bags of recyclables.

"As we kick off planning for our third annual cleanup, we're hoping residents can help us keep the positive momentum going," said Neil Rhein, chairman of Keep Mansfield Beautiful, the volunteer group that organizes the event.

In a new feature for this year's cleanup, volunteers who don't want to pick up litter can sign up for a landscaping and painting project, Rhein said. "We encourage anyone with expertise or interest in these projects to sign up soon," he said.

Keep Mansfield Beautiful encourages organizations, business groups and families to register to volunteer as soon as possible.

"The logistics involved in organizing this event are fairly complex, so the earlier people register to participate the better," Rhein said.

Volunteers can sign up at www.keepmansfieldbeautiful.com. or at the park and recreation department at town hall.

As in past years, Mansfield's event corresponds with others across the country, known as the Great American Cleanup.

Between March 1 and May 31, millions of volunteers nationwide will complete projects to clean up their towns and neighborhoods.

For more information about the Mansfield cleanup, visit www.keepmansfieldbeautiful.com.