Celebrating 40 Years of the Texas Adopt-a-Highway Program

As Texans, we take immense pride in our state’s open and breathtaking landscapes and the vibrant communities that call this land home. This year, we celebrate a milestone that embodies our collective spirit of stewardship and pride: the 40th anniversary of the first-of-its-kind Texas Adopt-a-Highway program. Since its inception, this program has kept our highways clean and fostered a culture of environmental responsibility and community engagement. It has become a model for similar programs across the U.S. and around the world.

Our new campaign tagline encourages Texans to: Get together. Get active. Get noticed. This simple yet powerful message highlights the heart of the Adopt-a-Highway program — an opportunity for groups to unite, take meaningful action, and be recognized for their contributions to keeping Texas highways beautiful and litter free.

As we celebrate 40 years of pride and progress, we invite you to join the movement:

• Don’t mess with Texas and Keep Tyler Beautiful will collaborate on April 12, 2025, at the Don’t mess with Texas Tyler Trash-Off event
• Other Trash Off events across the state can be found here  (Adopt-a-Highway groups participate through TxDOT)
• Connect with us on X, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram
• Enjoy 40th-anniversary innovations, such as the ones listed below, that ensure participation in the Adopt-a-Highway program is simple, engaging, and interactive!
  • Our new, downloadable “Get Started Kit” provides volunteers with resources, tips, and safety guidelines to support them every step of the way.
  • An online application to adopt your very own two-mile stretch of Texas highway
  • An interactive timeline showcasing our history, milestones, and the road ahead

Stay tuned for more anniversary events and activities designed to honor the thousands of Texans who have kept this legacy alive for four decades. Let’s make this milestone one to remember — together.

The Birth of an Iconic Initiative

The Texas Adopt-a-Highway program began with a simple yet powerful idea: to empower everyday citizens to take part in maintaining the beauty of our state’s roadways. The program was officially launched in Tyler, Texas in 1985 by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), inspired by the grassroots efforts of civic-minded individuals who recognized the growing issue of litter along highways. This trail-blazing initiative quickly gained traction and became a model for similar programs nationwide.

Volunteers sign up to adopt a two-mile stretch of highway, pledging to remove litter. In return, TxDOT provides safety training, reflective vests, trash bags, and highway signs recognizing the participating individuals or organizations. What started as a localized effort soon became a nationwide movement, with states across the country adopting their own versions of the program.

The Numbers Speak Volumes

Over the past 40 years, the Texas Adopt-a-Highway program has made a tremendous impact. Tens of thousands of miles of roadway have been adopted, and millions of pounds of trash have been removed, all thanks to the efforts of dedicated volunteers. Currently, over 3,300 active groups are participating, representing schools, businesses, civic organizations, and families. The program not only saves taxpayers millions of dollars annually in cleanup costs but also fosters a sense of ownership of our shared spaces.

Why It Matters

At its core, the Adopt-a-Highway program is about more than just litter removal. It’s a testament to the power of community and the difference that can be achieved when individuals come together for a common cause. Here’s why the program is so significant:

1. Environmental Impact: Removing litter from roadways prevents harmful materials from entering ecosystems and waterways, protecting wildlife and promoting healthier environments.
2. Aesthetic Value: Clean highways enhance the beauty of our state, creating a welcoming atmosphere for residents and visitors alike. This is especially important in a state as vast as Texas, where roadways often serve as the first impression for travelers.
3. Economic Benefits: Cleaner highways contribute to tourism and economic development by making Texas a more appealing destination. Additionally, the program offsets significant cleanup costs that would otherwise fall to government agencies.
4. Community Building: The program encourages collaboration among groups, nurturing a sense of unity and shared responsibility. It’s not uncommon for long-time participants to speak of the friendships and bonds formed during cleanup events.
5. Educational Opportunities: For younger participants, the program is a hands-on learning experience, teaching the importance of environmental stewardship and civic engagement.

A Heartfelt Thank You

None of this would be possible without the tireless efforts of the volunteers who have devoted their time and energy to keeping Texas beautiful. From the individuals who spend their weekends picking up trash to the organizations that adopt multiple stretches of highway, each participant plays a vital role in the program’s success.

As we drive along Texas highways, let’s take a moment to appreciate the hard work that goes into maintaining their beauty. And if you haven’t yet joined the effort, consider adopting a stretch of highway — it’s a rewarding way to give back to the state we all love. Here’s to 40 years of impact, two miles at a time. Happy anniversary, Texas Adopt-a-Highway program!