LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Volunteers will fan out across lower Michigan this Saturday to give state highway roadsides their first cleaning as groups in the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Adopt-A-Highway (AAH) program pick up litter from April 22-30.
According to MDOT, the first AAH pickup for the Upper Peninsula will ocurr later from May 6-14, when spring has had more time to set in for the northern part of the state.
“Our thousands of Adopt-A-Highway volunteers are dedicated to keeping roadsides in their communities clean,” said MDOT Acting Director Brad Wieferich. “They make a huge difference every year. Let’s help them stay safe while they’re out there – keep an eye out for the volunteers and drive cautiously during the pickup periods.”
The AAH program began in Michigan in 1990. Today, around 2,900 groups have adopted more than 6,000 miles of state highway. In a typical year, these volunteers collect 60,000 to 70,000 bags of trash annually, an estimated $5 million value for the state.
Volunteers pick up litter three times each year.
Statewide, there will be a summer pickup from July 15 to 23 and a fall pickup from Sept. 23 to Oct. 1.
Volunteers include members of various civic groups, businesses and families. Crew members must be at least 12 years old, and each group must number at least three people.
Sections of highway are still available for adoption and groups are asked to adopt a section for at least two years.
Go to www.Michigan.gov/AdoptAHighway for more information.
