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Litter cleanup

Logo for Claytor Lake's Izaak Walton League of America with the drawn image of water, fish, deer, trees, and birds.

$1,000 Award Goes to Claytor Lake Chapter Izzak Walton League

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Logo for Claytor Lake's Izaak Walton League of America with the drawn image of water, fish, deer, trees, and birds.Claytor Lake Chapter Izzak Walton League in Pulaski is awarded a $1,000 Green Grant in the Litter Prevention category as part of Keep Virginia Beautiful’s 15th Annual Green Grants program.    

Every year, government, non-profit, civic, and service organizations in Virginia are invited to apply for grants ranging from $500 to $1,000 that will help address environmental concerns in their community.  Grants must focus on one of the following priorities:   Litter Prevention, Recycling & Waste Reduction, Cigarette Litter Prevention & Recycling, or Community Beautification. 

The Izaak Walton League of America, founded in 1922, is one of the country’s oldest and most respected conservation organizations that’s dedicated to the protection of natural resources and the promotion of outdoor recreation. The Claytor Lake Chapter has focused its efforts on the conservation, restoration, and sustainable management of Virginia’s natural resources. Their work encompasses the preservation of forests, soil, water, and wildlife, supporting both local ecosystems and the broader environmental health of the region.

Each month, the Claytor Lake Chapter of the Izaak Walton League hosts dedicated workdays, where volunteers come together to help clean up the local roadways leading into the campground and the surrounding waterways. In the wake of Hurricane Helene, Claytor Lake and the surrounding areas experienced significant damage, with debris from upstream flooding flowing into the cove where their campground is located. The flooding has pushed even more materials downstream into a nearby creek that runs through the community, further expanding Photograph of Claytor Lake with still blue water, grasses in the foreground, spit of land with trees, blue skythe area in need of cleanup.

The Chapter needs basic tools and equipment to help sustain these efforts.  Green Grant funds will be used to purchase battery-powered chain saw, gas-powered chain saw, safety vests, as well as grabbles and ropes for removing debris from the waterway. 

These tools will greatly enhance our Chapter’s ability to clean up Claytor Lake and the surrounding roadways. Not only will they make the work easier and safer for our volunteers, but they will also allow the organization to more effectively serve the community by removing hazardous debris and restoring the natural beauty of the area. With the help of these grant funds, the Claytor Lake Chapter can continue its important mission of environmental stewardship.

Green and black logo for Scottsville Center for Arts and Nature

$1,000 Green Grant Awarded to Scottsville Center for Arts and Nature

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Green and black logo for Scottsville Center for Arts and Nature Scottsville Center for Arts and Nature in the United States is awarded a $1,000 Green Grant in the Litter Prevention category as part of Keep Virginia Beautiful’s 15th Annual Green Grants program.    

Every year, government, non-profit, civic, and service organizations in Virginia are invited to apply for grants ranging from $500 to $1,000 that will help address an environmental concern in their community. Grants must focus on one of the following priorities:   Litter Prevention, Recycling & Waste Reduction, Cigarette Litter Prevention & Recycling, or Community Beautification. 

The Scottsville Center for Arts and Nature (SCAN) is a non-profit organization that was established in 2004 to inspire and foster exploration of the arts and nature. SCAN owns a 13-acre property just to the north of Scottsville’s center that was the site of a small farm. Since obtaining the land, the non-profit organization’s goal is to create an outdoor public space where people in and around Scottsville can explore nature and enjoy the arts. They’ve already created an ecologically self-sustaining landscape with amenities such as an outdoor amphitheater, apiary, children’s play spaces, and nature trails. 

Photograph of people gathering out in a fieldHowever, their battle with litter is ongoing. On both the land itself and the roads that surround it, they’ve found that continual vigilance is required to keep litter at bay. With funds awarded by the Green Grant, SCAN will purchase equipment and supplies such as litter grabbers and safety vests to support their ongoing, volunteer-driven litter cleanup campaign.  

Because the land was once a farm, they’ve worked diligently on the restoration of the lush and beautiful native meadow ecosystem that once stood on this site, such as planting 100 native trees along the main road. The presence of litter works against to the efforts of the restoration, and the success of their litter cleanup campaign is a high priority.

We wish the Scottsville Center for Arts and Nature much success as they continue to help keep Virginia Beautiful!

Volunteers standing with bags of litter that they cleaned up from a local park.

Litter Cleanup in January? Yes!

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Volunteers standing with bags of litter that they cleaned up from a local park.We don’t usually schedule litter cleanups for January because it’s often cold and wet, and litter can be frozen to the ground.  But sometimes it’s a good idea to get out of the comfort of your home to get busy when it’s needed.

MLK Day is a special day, dedicated to celebrate the life and work of American Civil Rights Leader, Martin Luther King Jr.  In Richmond, there were parades, concerts, walking tours and other tributes.  It’s also marked as a day of service for your community.

Our organization was invited to share the use of our litter grabbers at a litter cleanup at Blackwell Park (Charlie Sydnor Playground) on E. 15th Street.  We joined the Dept. of Parks, Recreation, and Community Facilities, along with volunteers, to get the job done.

Person wearing a safety vest using a litter grabber to pick up trash at a local park in Richmond.There were about 16 volunteers, and we worked for two hours. We picked up 38 bags of litter, 3 tires, 2 suitcases, storage bins, and other random things that couldn’t fit in trash bags!  Yes, it was a little chilly, but the volunteers were dedicated and were happy with the work they were doing.  We’re grateful for their time and effort, and appreciate the positive impact they made at Blackwell Park.  Studies show that an area that is cared for and not littered is more like to stay clean – we hope that’s the case for the area we worked at on MLK Day.

In addition to our Executive Director, Cristi Lawton, wielding a litter grabber, our Intern Elena was there to help as well.  And as a VCU student in Advertising, she put her skills to work creating this short video of the event.

Thank you, Richmond Parks & Rec, volunteers, for inviting the KVB team to participate in a cleanup event.  When we’re all working together, we can accomplish good things, just as Martin Luther King Jr. would have envisioned.

Dog on a leash looking up at someone

Pickup with Pups is September 15th

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Dog on a leash looking up at someonePickup with Pups is an event hosted by Keep Virginia Beautiful and the Richmond SPCA. Volunteers who regularly walk pups from the Richmond SPCA in the Diamond District noticed accumulation of litter in the landscape, and knew it would benefit from a litter cleanup.

So why not give a little love to the neighborhood, while showing off the pups that are looking for their forever person to love?  It’s all part of a kickoff for the Keep Virginia Beautiful’s LOVE VA Fall litter cleanup campaign!

Mark your calendar now for Sunday, September 15, 2020 from 10am – noon at the Richmond SPCA, 2519 Hermitage Road, Richmond, VA 23220.

During the cleanup, you will get to mix and mingle with some of the Richmond SPCA’s most eligible canine bachelors and bachelorettes of the season.  There will be plenty of tail wagging, exercising, and fresh air while cleaning up our natural environment.

You don’t need to bring anything!  All the necessary equipment will be provided.  Just dress for the weather, wear comfortable footwear, and bring a refillable water bottle.

Registration is required for this fun event:  Keep Virginia Beautiful: Pickup with Pups Fall 2024 (signupgenius.com)  We’ll reach out to you with more details!

Our annual LOVE VA anti-litter campaign is a state-wide effort to beautify the Commonwealth from September 15 – November 15 each year. It provides a platform, resources, and incentives to engage individuals and groups to make their communities cleaner, greener, and more beautiful. Fall is a great time for litter cleanups, tree plantings, recycling drives, and other community improvement activities."Let's Shake on It" You come out to play with me, and I'll walk with you when you pick up ltter; human hand holding a dog's paw

Last year, we had 44 litter cleanups reported from across the state, that used 488 volunteers!  They picked up 711 bags of litter, of which 62 bags were recyclable items), and planted 50 trees!

The Richmond SPCA was founded in 1891, is a nonprofit organization, and since 2002 has been a no-kill society.  Last week alone,  August 26 – September 1, 2024, they found homes for 72 pets!

There’s a lot to love about cleaning up our communities, and there’s going to be a lot of love shared with the adorable, adoptable dogs with our Pickup With Pups cleanup event! Hope to see you there!

Logo for LOVE VA anti-litter campaign

Lady and two girls, one with a Junior Girl Scouts t-shirt and ball cap

2024 Green Grants Award #26: GSNC Girl Scout Troop #50126

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Lady and two girls, one with a Junior Girl Scouts t-shirt and ball capCongratulations to Girl Scouts of the Nation’s Capital Troop #50126 for their $500 Green Grants award to tackle litter in the parks!

Troop 50126, comprised of 13 vibrant fourth graders from Wolftrap Elementary School in Vienna, VA, have a passion for environmental stewardship. Their diverse interests, ranging from dance to sharks, converge in their shared dedication to nurturing their local environment. Originating from a camping trip tradition of shouting “pickles” followed by a group hug, they’ve transformed this into a symbol of unity and fun-loving spirit. Embracing the pickle theme wholeheartedly, they’ve even incorporated it into their upcoming rock climbing adventure with a custom troop shirt design exclaiming “Pickles Rock.” With playful patrol group names like “cornichons,” “bread & butter,” and “gherkins,” their camaraderie knows no bounds. Troop 50126 is more than just a group; they’re a community committed to keeping their corner of the world beautiful.

“Pickles Pick Up the Parks” is a multifaceted project of Troop 50126 as they expand their efforts to raise awareness about the significance of maintaining clean parks. This initiative also serves as their Bronze Award project, the highest accolade a Girl Scout Junior can achieve, requiring each scout to contribute a minimum of 20 hours. With the Green Grants’ support, the troop aims to equip volunteers with essential gear for public cleanups throughout the summer. They also plan to distribute native seeds accompanied by educational material emphasizing the importance of planting indigenous species for environmental preservation. They’ll even work to learn about and clear invasive plant species from area parks.

Recognizing the increased attendance at the parks during the summer months, particularly by families en route to the local pool and dog walkers seeking shade by the creek, the troop is determined to combat litter accumulation, including the persistent issue of abandoned pet waste bags. Through “Pickles Pick Up the Parks,” Troop 50126 is not only fostering a cleaner environment but also cultivating a sense of civic responsibility within the community.

Funds from the Green Grants award will go to purchase work gloves in child and adult sizes, reflective safety vests, litter grabbers, and trash bags.

The first goal the scouts set is to clean up Waverly and Foxstone Parks, which are 14.4 acres combined with only one trash can. The end goal is to get the County to install more trash cans to help address the issue, keep the park clean, and help wildlife stay healthy. In addition to helping these 13 young women learn the impacts of litter on the environment, they’re planning to educate others and spread awareness of these impacts to the general public.

 

Buchanan County Public Library logo, with shelves of books

2024 Green Grants Award #6: Friends of the Buchanan County Public Library

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Buchanan County Public Library logo, with shelves of booksCheck this out!  The Friends of the Buchanan County Public Library, in the Southwest corner of Virginia, are awarded a $1,000 Green Grant in the Litter Prevention category!  Each year, groups are invited to apply for a Green Grant in the category that best fits their goal for projects and programs that are needed in their community.  The applications are evaluated and scored by a panel of experts in their fields, and thirty awards are announced, one each day in June.

Although Keep Virginia Beautiful has awarded 415 programs and projects throughout the state since 2011, this is the first Green Grant award that has gone to a group located in Buchanan County — another reason to celebrate!

The Friends of the Buchanan County Public Library is a group of library volunteers and supporters who sponsor author visits and book signings, assist with projects such as landscaping the library, serve as program volunteers, and raise funds Boy picking up litter outsidefor the library. In addition, the Friends organization partners with other nonprofits and government organizations to support community improvement projects.

The Friends partnered with the Keep Buchanan County Beautiful Committee last year to present the One Bag Challenge, which encouraged citizens in the county to pick up at least one bag of litter. This challenge was very successful, and citizens of all ages participated. Those picking up litter were encouraged to submit photos to the Buchanan County Public Library’s Facebook page, which helped to bring attention to the project.  They look forward to repeating the successful results again this year.

Funds from the Green Grants award will be used to purchase litter grabbers, safety vests, and gloves, to provide volunteers with the tools they need to safely clean up.  The Friends of the Buchanan County Public Library will be able to loan the supplies to people for the One Bag Challenge and other cleanups — and no one is better at loaning items to citizens than libraries!

 

Group of men & women in safety vests cleaning up the roads near Lake Anna in Louisa County, VA

Thank You for Cleaning and Greening

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Group of men & women in safety vests cleaning up the roads near Lake Anna in Louisa County, VAThe Great Virginia Greenup continues with plenty of activities being reported — thank you!  If you’re looking for an activity to get involved, refer to one of our local Affiliates in your area, or check out our Events Calendar for public opportunities.  If you are hosting an event that’s related to our mission focus areas, you are welcome to add it to the Event Calendar to share.

We’ve received reports from 116 events, and they’re still coming in daily.  The tally thus far is:

  • 3,024 bags of litter cleaned up
  • 81.5 bags of recyclables kept out of the landfill
  • 2,153 volunteers worked 5,575 total hours cleaning up and greening up the Commonwealth!

Don’t forget, if you clean up litter or other projects to improve the natural and scenic environment of Virginia during the Great Virginia Greenup (March 19-June 20, 2024) report it to us using this form.  Your name will be entered in the drawing to receive one of our Sustainability Sampler Kits!  Congratulations to the last group of kit winners:

Cameron F., Fairfax County
Elizabeth S., Spotsylvania County
Donielle N., George Mason University
Megan G., Hanover County
Helen S. Fluvanna County
Daniel B., Newport News
Josh A., New Kent County
Ally K., Henrico County
Sherranya M., Loudon County
Brittany B, Colonial Heights

One of the groups that is working hard this year and reporting their cleanups and other green deeds is our SAVE student ambassadors from high schools across the state, as they wrap up participation in our pilot program.  We’re accepting applications for next year’s Student Ambassadors for Virginia’s Environment (SAVE) program for high school Juniors and Seniors.  You can learn more about the program and submit an application on our SAVE webpage.

THANK you for the work you’re doing!

 

 

 

Two young ladies picking up litter at a beach

Student Ambassadors Greenup

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Girl with dog with bucket of litter they picked upThank you to everyone who has submitted their cleanup and greenup results for the Great Virginia Greenup!  Or you can get back out there until June 20, 2024 to improve our natural and scenic environment with your efforts to clean up, beautify, recycle, paint or other green deed, and report it here.  You’ll be entered to win a one of our Sustainability Sampler Kits!

Two girls and a dog picking up litter along a road.We’re happy to share these photos of some of our members of our Student Ambassadors for Virginia’s Environment (SAVE) program.  One cleanup took place in Washington County.  They partnered with Keep Southwest Beautiful to picked up over 19 bags of litter along North Fork Road!

On the other end of the Commonwealth in Virginia Beach, Student Ambassadors had fun in the sun while cleaning up the landscape (see picture below)!  There were 23 volunteers and members of the Surfrider’s Club, and they picked up six bags of litter.  We appreciate all their efforts!

Group of young ladies who are cleaning up litter near a beach

We’re so proud of the leadership shown by the members of our pilot Student Ambassador program, and the example they’re setting for fellow high school students.  SAVE (Student Ambassadors for Virginia’s Environment) is modeled after best-practice student ambassador programs successfully implemented by other Keep America Beautiful (KAB) state affiliates.  An abbreviated pilot program was launched during the second half of the 2023/2024 school year and will conclude in June.  Its success has prompted the continuation and expansion of the program for the 2024/2025 school year.

Student Ambassadors are expected to organize and implement two litter cleanups and host a school-wide or community educational project or event. For a one-page overview of the program refer to the SAVE Program Overview; or for more details on the requirements of the program, please see the SAVE Handbook.

If you know someone who would like to apply for the 2024-25 school year, there’s more information on our website and applications can be found here.  For any questions about the program, please reach out to Cristi Lawton, Executive Director, at [email protected].

And don’t forget to get out there during the Great Virginia Greenup — get involved and report your cleanup!

LOVE VA logo with Virginia mountains and sky

LOVE VA this Fall

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LOVE VA logo with Virginia mountains and skyAhhh, the weather is cooler, the humidity is lower, and there are so many fun things to do in the Fall!  One of the things we can do after we see the last 90° day in the rearview mirror is enjoy being outside.  From the beaches to the mountains, there’s so much to see and do in Virginia.

One of the things we hope you’ll do is join us for our LOVE VA Fall cleanup campaign!  Litter in the landscape mars our beautiful scenery and has a negative impact on neighborhoods, businesses, and recreation.  According to an analysis from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Housing Survey, the presence of litter is associated with lower levels of neighborhood and home satisfaction.   The “broken windows theory” states that visible signs of disorder and misbehavior in an environment encourage further disorder and misbehavior, leading to serious crimes.  Cleaning up litter is not just a nice thing to do, it has a serious impact on your community.

Bags of trash from litter cleanupIf you’re looking to join in a litter cleanup, check out our Events Calendar to see what’s happening around the state. Or plan a cleanup with your family, neighbors, Scouts, or other groups.  Visit the list of our local Affiliates to discover events they’re hosting where you live. And you can always get a bucket and head out on your own to clean up a litter hot spot.

THEN REPORT the results of your effort to us!  When you submit a report, your name will be entered to win some fun PRIZES!  We’ll be giving away Litter Cleanup Kits, At-Home Sustainability Sampler Kits, Personal Care Sustainability Sampler Kits, and On-the-Go Sustainability Sampler Kits.  You can learn more about our prizes by visiting our Litter Prevention webpage.

For our 70th anniversary this year, our goal is to have at least 70 reports submitted, with at least 700 bags of litter picked up over the course of the event.

Be sure to check out our LOVE VA webpage and start reporting your cleanups or other activities to be entered to win prizes!

People cleaning up litter at a bus stop

RVA Rapid Transit Awarded $750 Green Grant

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RVA Rapid Transit LogoRVA Rapid Transit in Richmond is awarded a $750 Green Grant in the Litter Prevention Category as part of our 13th Annual Green Grants Program.

A nonprofit that is not GRTC or part of any City, County, or State government, RVA Rapid Transit is an organization committed to improving the experience of transit riders in the Richmond community.  They believe that no one should wait for the bus without a place to sit and protection from the elements.  One of the ways they improve the experience of transit riders is by keeping bus stops clean and litter-free.

The “Better Bus Stop Program” will focus on improving the cleanliness of bus stops throughout the Richmond area.  They’ll partner with local volunteers and community organizations to regularly clean and maintain bus stops, ensuring that they are free of litter, debris, and other unsanitary conditions.  To accomplish this, they will provide volunteers with the necessary equipment to ensure that the collected trash is collected in a safe and convenient manner.  They will engage in outreach efforts to educate transit riders about the importance of keeping bus stops clean and encourage them to join our efforts.

People cleaning up litter at a bus stopThrough the “Better Bus Stop Program”, RVA Rapid Transit plans to create a cleaner and more pleasant transit experience for all riders, while also promoting community involvement and environmental stewardship.  They believe that this program will have a positive impact on the community and look forward to implementing it with the support of this litter prevention grant.

Funds provided by the Green Grant award will be used to purchase supplies for “Adopt-A-Stop Kits” that included litter grabbers, protective gloves, safety vests, and trash bags. The Adopt-a-Stop program is open to civic associations, organizations, and individuals, 18 years or older, throughout the Richmond Region.  A Bus Stop Adopter makes a one-year commitment to regularly complete litter pick-up at and around the bus stop and clean the glass on the bus shelter at least twice during the year.

 

 

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