by Leah Justice

With spring arriving, many are holding road cleanups, including the many roads and sections of roads that individuals and organizations have adopted in Polk County.

According to the N.C. Department of Transportation (DOT), Polk County has 30 adopted roads, where an individual or organization has agreed to upkeep the road and keep it free of litter.

The Adopt-a-Highway Program is something the Polk County Appearance Commission says it is proud to support and thanks the many individuals and organizations that are a part of the program, as well as the many people who work to clean their neighborhoods without being a part of a program.

“This is ‘pride of place’ in action,” said appearance commission chair Joe Cooper. “If we would just take care of our roadside garbage and litter, our county would be more attractive and inviting to new businesses and visitors.”

The Appearance Commission of Polk County is a group of volunteers working to promote and initiate programs that will beautify the county.

The appearance commission’s vision is “Our Foothills Clean and Beautiful,” with hopes that in the future there will be beautifully planted areas throughout the county on clean roadsides with artful signs welcoming visitors and informing them of the many interesting features in Polk’s rural, yet culturally rich area.

The appearance commission is always busy working towards its goals, including sponsoring  annual beautification awards for private and public improvements that are visible by the public from roads or sidewalks.

Organizations and individuals who have adopted roads in Polk County include:  Two Fox Farm, Carolina Carriage Club, Freer Equine Mobile Veterinary Services PLLC, Foothills Equestrian Nature Center Inc., Blue Moon Farm, Jdon Farm LLC, Green Creek Horse Community, Carolina Mule Association, Tryon Estate/ACT Inc., the Laughter family, the Reid family, the family of Fred A. and Mary Ellen Morris, Green Creek Fire Department, The Hayloft Farm, Saluda Community Land Trust, Rotary Club of Tryon (two roads), Manfred and Christel Walter, The Oaks Bed and Breakfast, Winterbrook Farm, Tryon Kiwanis Club, Pat Doggett, Polk County Democrats, the White Family in memory of Bill and Bernice, Victory Baptist Church, Deborah McEntire, The Quattlebaum family, Finally Farm, 5th Ranger Bn 1944 and McCutcheon Clan.

To adopt a highway, contact the DOT, which will send information, paperwork and provide training. The DOT number for Polk County’s district is 828-891-7911.

The link to the DOT brochure is www.ncdot.org/doh/operations/dp_chief_eng/roadside/beautification/ download/052406AAHbrochure.pdf.