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>> SCOTT WHEELER: "Are you looking for a way to improve your community?
Looking for a way to make a real difference?
The Michigan Department of Transportation's Adopt-A-Highway program may be just the thing for you.
Hi, I'm Scott Wheeler, MDOT's statewide roadside coordinator.
Adopt-A-Highway volunteers have been cleaning up Michigan's roadsides since 1990.
Three times a year, Adopt-A-Highway volunteers scour the roadsides looking for unsightly trash.
Why do so many groups participate in the Adopt-A-Highway program?"
>> DAVE LESINSKI: "It's always nice to get out with the brother Knights on this project and I'm sure that the other
groups that collect on the side of the highway with this MDOT program have the same thoughts.
It's a very worthwhile program and we need additional support to keep it going."
>> SANDIE HUTCHINSON: "This is our road and we want to see it staying nice."
>> RAY WIEGAND: "We've been doing this for about 20 years, our group has, for Ray Wiegand's Nursery.
It's a good opportunity to get out and see the public.
The public can stop and ask questions if they have anything to ask.
It's good to help the community."
>> NATALIE PATCHELL: "In 1991, one of our faculty felt that civic engagement was something we wanted to demonstrate,
and so the Kalamazoo Valley Community College Faculty Association rallied the forces
and we've been doing it since."
>> JOHN CORBIN: "Every year since 1991,
several of the people who were in that original group are still able to walk
and pick up trash along the highway."
>> IRMA WATSON: "It gives us an opportunity to get fresh air.
Not only that, it gives us an opportunity to exercise
with the bending and the pulling and the walking.
We go home refreshed after a hard day's work."
>> SCOTT WHEELER: "Participants adopt both sides of a section of highway for a minimum of two years.
Most types of state highways are available for adoption,
including two-lane roads, freeways and boulevards.
A minimum 2-mile stretch is required.
Just about any group can do it.
You need at least three people, although we recommend six or more. That helps spread the work.
Adopt-A-Highway provides a great opportunity for all types of organizations –
scout troops, church groups, businesses, and civic organizations.
There is no cost or fee involved.
We provide the safety vests, trash bags, and we pick up and dispose of the trash after you’re done.
So what do you get in return?
In recognition of your efforts, you'll get a great Adopt-A-Highway sign with the name of your group.
The sign is posted at each end of your adopted area
so that passing motorists will know that your organization is responsible for the clean roadside.
And the best thing of all, it feels good!
You get the satisfaction of making a real difference in your community.
Adopt-A-Highway groups get rid of unsightly trash - more than 60,000 bags each year!
Adopt-A-Highway groups save taxpayer dollars - lots of them. About $1 million each year!
Would our Adopt-A-Highway groups recommend this program to others?
>> SANDIE HUTCHINSON: "I would recommend it. In fact, I've talked to a lot of people, different organizations
that are going to try and pick up some of the areas that have been abandoned.
I think it's a good plan. You pick up a lot of glass and garbage that could be harmful to a child riding their bike
or someone pulling off the road for an emergency."
>> NICK BUFFA: "I would recommend it, because I think it's something that the community needs.
It's something that all communities should have.
There's a lot of mess out there, a lot of trash.
It's something that everyone should get involved with and try to keep these highways clean."
>> CHESTER RIVARD: "I'd recommend that anybody get involved in this program
because it gives you a chance, instead of complaining, to do something actively involved in the community.
And if you find anything good out here, you get to keep it."
[laughs]
>> BETTY JEAN AWREY: "I think it's a great satisfaction to get out here.
It's something that you're doing for the state of Michigan.
Now, I know it's not a disease or it's not a charity for children,
but it's helping where we live and we want to have a great place to live and work,
and have a clean state of Michigan."
>> JIM MCMAHON: "I think it sets a great example. We travel throughout the U.S.,
although we've lived in Michigan most of our lives.
And we enjoy seeing a picturesque sight when we drive along the highway and
not see it cluttered up with trash.
So I would urge you that if you have a highway near your house that's unspoken for, sign up for it.
It'll bring out the best in you. Diane?"
>> DIANE MCMAHON: "I agree!"
>> SCOTT WHEELER: "Want to learn more about the Adopt-A-Highway program?
It's easy! Just go to the MDOT Web site.
That's www.michigan.gov/adoptahighway.
Find your area's local MDOT coordinator and make a phone call.
We can tell you if the road you want is available or suggest other close-by alternatives.
You can get started during the next pickup. Remember, three clean-ups a year: April, July and September.
At MDOT, we like to say: 'It takes no one special to litter, but someone very special to clean it up.'
Could that special person be you?"
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