Seward County 4-H has adopted a two-mile section of U.S. 83 north of Liberal in an effort to help keep the area clean and give back to their community.

“Our community service committee chose this project because it allows our 4-H’ers to give back as well as show their commitment to bettering their community. Adopt-A-Highway is an important program because it helps keep our environment and lands clean which is also important to our 4-H’ers,” says Mirna Bonilla, Family and Community Wellness Extension Agent with K-State Research and Extension in Seward County.

The Kansas Department of Transportation’s Adopt-A-Highway program began in December 1989 with the goal of keeping our state and U.S. highway routes clean. According to Lisa Knoll, KDOT’s District Six Public Affairs Manager, “Litter pollutes our land and our lakes and rivers. Adopt-A-Highway is a great program because it helps protect our environment, save tax dollars and gets the public involved in keeping Kansas clean.”

Knoll went on to add that it’s been some time since a Seward County group has adopted a highway section through the program, making this group of young people not just trend-setters, but leaders in this community.

Any non-profit group that does not discriminate upon the basis of race, religion or gender can join and there is no cost to the group. Members must be at least 11 years old and have adequate adult supervision. Groups have clean-ups three times a year and are recognized for their efforts with signs marking their sections of highway.