West Virginia Highway Cleanup
West Virginia community groups can now sign up for two-year roadside cleanup commitments through the Adopt-A-Highway Program, transportation.wv.gov reported. The initiative pairs the West Virginia Division of Highways with the Department of Environmental Protection to target highway litter.
Volunteers agree to clear a two-mile stretch of state-maintained road at least twice a year. The state provides garbage bags, safety vests, gloves, and warning signs at no charge.
Requirements and safety rules for program participants
Participants must be at least 12 years old and complete safety training videos prior to starting work. Groups that want to maintain smaller sections can use the companion Adopt-A-Spot program for areas under a quarter mile.
The state picks up the filled trash bags after each event. Once the first cleanup is reported, the state erects official recognition signs at both ends of the adopted road.
Student Engineering Contests
Middle and high school students across West Virginia also participate in the annual Bridge Design and Build Contest. The West Virginia Department of Transportation and the West Virginia University Institute of Technology run this STEM outreach program.
Trail Conversions
Disused railroad corridors are finding new life through the West Virginia Rails-to-Trails initiative. Volunteers and local organizations build and maintain these multi-use public paths for local recreation and active transportation.
Community members contribute by joining local rail-trail organizations to help build and maintain pathways, serving on boards, or acting as volunteer trail monitors who keep an eye out and report safety issues. Advocates are encouraged to promote the initiative by explaining the importance of rail-trails to officials in order to gain backing and funding. People can increase trail awareness by sharing photos, status updates, and excursion summaries on discovery websites such as TrailLink.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to join the Adopt-A-Highway program?
Families, individuals, schools, churches, businesses, civic groups, and government agencies can all join for free. Participants just need to meet the minimum age requirement of 12 years old.
How long does a highway adoption last?
Adoptions run for a renewable two-year term. Groups must clean their assigned two-mile stretch at least twice annually.
What does the state supply to volunteers?
The West Virginia Division of Highways and Department of Environmental Protection furnish trash bags, work gloves, high-visibility vests, and cleanup warning signs. The state also hauls away the bagged garbage.
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