The annual Plateau Pickup litter sweep pulled trash and debris from all corners of Highlands on Saturday morning as volunteers tackled stretches of US 64, NC 28, NC 106 and several high-traffic streets inside town limits.
More than 60 volunteers donned orange vests and work gloves to aid the cause. The day started with breakfast provided by Fressers Courtyard Cafe at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park as volunteers were broken into groups and given their pickup assignments.
“We are thrilled to have so many people sign up to participate, or even just show up this morning to ask how they could help,” Highlands Chamber of Commerce Director of Visitor Services Beverly Wichman said. “So many (volunteers) have taken an interest in keeping Highlands looking its best as we get into the spring and summer. We are fortunate for everyone’s support.”
Wichman noted that the Plateau Pickup is part of a larger statewide initiative called the North Carolina Litter Sweep sponsored by the NC Department of Transportation.
In addition to volunteers, NCDOT maintenance crews devote one week of their time to pick up litter and collect orange bags placed on the roadsides between April 10-24. Volunteers are provided cleanup supplies, such as orange trash bags, gloves and orange safety vests, from their local NCDOT county maintenance yard office.
Highlands Mayor Patrick Taylor noted that litter garners a lot of complaints from town residents and visitors.
“It’s something we hear about all the time, nearly every week, at Town Hall,” Taylor said. “Highlands is a beautiful place and we want to keep it that way. Unfortunately, some individuals are reckless, or don’t care, and that is why we have to call on community volunteers to lend a hand and do these pickup events.”
While the spring Plateau Pickup has been a Highlands tradition for many years, Wichman noted that a second event in the fall may be added if the conditions call for it.
“The state will actually do events like this twice a year, in April and September, so a fall pickup is something we can put together if needed,” Wichman said. “We are grateful to have such a big group of volunteers who are willing to give their time. We can’t thank everyone enough.”