The Michigan Department of Transportation announced on May 4 that volunteers will begin the first Adopt-A-Highway litter pickup of the year in the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula starting Saturday, May 9.
The initiative is important because it helps keep state highways clean and safe for motorists and communities. Volunteers from various civic groups, businesses, and families participate in this effort to remove roadside litter.
The spring cleanup covers counties including Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Iosco, Kalkaska, Lake, Leelanau, Manistee, Mason, Missaukee, Montmorency, Ogemaw, Osceola, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle, Roscommon and Wexford. The summer pickup is scheduled for July 11 to 19 and a fall event will take place from September 19 to 27. MDOT reports that sections of highway are still available for adoption through an interactive map on its website. Groups are asked to commit for at least two years; there is no fee to participate.
Volunteers must wear high-visibility vests provided by MDOT when working near highways as required by federal regulations. The department also supplies trash bags and arranges removal of collected waste. Each group must have at least three members aged twelve or older.
The Michigan Department of Transportation manages nearly 10,000 miles of state highways along with more than 4,800 bridges and other infrastructure across seven regions statewide according to the official website. The agency employs over 2,800 people who oversee a range of transportation services including railroads and airports. Its mission focuses on serving people and connecting communities through transportation efforts.
As volunteer crews prepare for the upcoming cleanup dates throughout northern Michigan regions this month—and again later this summer—MDOT continues supporting their work by providing necessary equipment while inviting new groups to join future efforts.
