Adopt-A-Highway Volunteers Sought

More than 100 volunteer groups from Nova Scotia have been busy this spring participating in the Nova Scotia Adopt-A-Highway Program. With Environment Week under way, the organization is hoping to attract more volunteers for the international roadside cleanup program.

"The program demonstrates that the public cares about their environment and is willing to make their community and province a better place to live," said Gaynol Keith, co-ordinator of Nova Scotia's Adopt-A-Highway program.

The program was started by the Women's Institute of Nova Scotia, the Lions Clubs of Nova Scotia and Clean Nova Scotia.

"We're proud to sponsor this program and we applaud the volunteers who are taking the time to clean up the litter that is found along the roadsides," said Environment Minister Michel Samson. "Awareness is the key to educating people on this important issue. During Environment Week, we encourage everyone to get involved with the Adopt-A-Highway program."

This year, Canadian Environment Week runs from May 30 to June 5. The week is designed to celebrate the commitment and efforts of Canadians who are working toward a clean and healthy environment.

"There are many, many highways available for adoption in the province," said Ms. Keith. "We encourage groups, organizations and businesses to take up the challenge and adopt a section of roadway. We can all make a positive difference for the environment and create a strong sense of community pride and accomplishment."

Helping to keep Nova Scotia clean takes a lot of effort. Since the program was launched in 1997, hundreds of volunteers have collected more than 5000 bags of garbage and recyclables along 500 kilometres of adopted sections of secondary roadway in Nova Scotia.

For more information on how to get involved, please contact the Adopt-A-Highway office at 902-893-6520.