NAPS Spring Highway Cleanup Clears 15+ Bags of Trash

A crew of 17 volunteers cleared the roadsides and gullies during the Spring 2025 NAPS Highway Cleanup, Sunday, April 27th. Fifteen large bags of trash plus several oversized items were removed from Route 200 between Wicomico Church and Glebe Point Bridge to be disposed of or recycled.

When you come upon a fork in the road, pick it up! Bob Raiford did just that during NAPS Spring Highway Cleanup.

The NAPS Highway Cleanup was performed by (from left): Mike Ahart, Alice Imbur, Katie Wilkins, Eric Reese, Debby Pape, Shauna McCranie, Gloria Salaskos, Tory Jett, Kristen Shirilla, Mary Martha Stewart, Grant Pearson, Denez Yancey, Bob Raiford, Jen Sagan, and Landon Shirilla. Don Imbur and Jim Barrett also participated in the cleanup (not shown).

"We are thankful for all the groups and individuals who perform highway cleanup events, but we wish we didn't need to," said Mike Ahart, president of NAPS. "Please keep your trash and cigarette butts in your vehicle and dispose of them properly. It's not just an eyesore. It harms the wildlife attracted to it on the roadway which is also a safety risk for drivers and passengers, and the trash eventually washes down into our creeks and rivers causing harm to the Bay ecosystem," he added.

NAPS is now planning its annual Fall Creek Cleanup (maybe Sun. Sept. 14). Whether as a skiff captain, trash picker, kayaker, or land-base helper, all volunteers are welcome. Contact stewardship@napsva.org for more information on the creek cleanup or to join the NAPS Highway Cleanup crew. 

The Northumberland County Anti-Litter Committee in planning another “Cover your Load” campaign this year to bring attention to the problem of items blowing out of pickup truck beds when not properly secured. Free cargo nets will be available in exchange for a pledge to always secure your load. Look for more information soon.

Want to adopt your own stretch of roadway? Contact Stacy Messenger at 333-7930 or Stacy.Messenger@vdot.virginia.gov.