As the last wisps of winter’s chill dissipate, the Mountain State awakens from its seasonal slumber. April’s arrival brings with it a renewed sense of purpose and community, as West Virginians come together to celebrate Adopt a Highway Month. This initiative, now in its 30th year, embodies the very spirit of volunteerism and civic pride that defines our great state.

As we reflect on the significance of this program, it’s essential to acknowledge the humble beginnings of Adopt a Highway. Conceived in the late 1980s by the West Virginia Department of Transportation, the program’s primary objective was to encourage community groups, businesses, and individuals to take ownership of their local roadways. By adopting a stretch of highway, participants committed to regular cleanups, thereby enhancing the beauty and safety of our roads.

Over the past three decades, Adopt a Highway has evolved into a statewide phenomenon, with thousands of West Virginians actively participating in the program. From the Ohio River Valley to the Appalachian Highlands, communities have rallied around this initiative, demonstrating a deep-seated pride in their surroundings.

The impact of Adopt a Highway extends far beyond the aesthetics of our roadways. By taking responsibility for their local environment, participants are contributing to a broader culture of community engagement and environmental stewardship. Regular cleanups keep roadsides and residential areas free of trash and debris. Clean roadsides and communities attract tourists and support local businesses and community growth.This in turn helps improve water quality and reduce disease. Reduced litter and pollutants protect children and pets, plus local waterways.

It’s essential to recognize the tireless efforts of the individuals, groups, and organizations that have made this program such a resounding success. From the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts to local businesses, churches, and civic organizations, the diversity of participants is a testament to the inclusive and collaborative spirit of West Virginians.

As we look to the future, it’s crucial that we continue to build upon the momentum generated by Adopt a Highway. By engaging new generations of West Virginians and encouraging innovative approaches to community service, we can ensure that this program remains a vibrant and integral part of our state’s fabric.

In the words of West Virginia’s beloved poet, Louise McNeill, “The land is a part of us, and we are a part of it.” As we celebrate Adopt a Highway Month, let us recommit ourselves to this profound truth. Let us continue to take pride in our surroundings, to nurture our natural beauty, and to build stronger, more resilient communities.

Adopt a Highway initiatives can create jobs and stimulate local economies, while also promoting environmental awareness and education.

By adopting a highway, individuals and groups can make a tangible difference in their community while promoting environmental stewardship and civic pride.

In the Mountain State, we are blessed with a unique and breathtaking landscape. As we embark on this new season of service and stewardship, let us remember that our roads, our rivers, and our mountains are not just resources to be exploited, but treasures to be cherished and protected.

So let us don our gloves, grab our trash bags, and take to the highways. Let us show the world what it means to be a West Virginian – proud, resilient, and deeply connected to the land we call home.