Volunteers from the Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute (CDRI) recently conducted another clean-up event as part of their long-standing participation in the Texas Department of Transportation’s (TXDOT) Adopt-a-Highway program. CDRI, located four miles southeast of Fort Davis on Highway 118, has been dedicated to this litter-prevention effort for years, demonstrating their commitment to environmental stewardship and community service.
The Adopt-a-Highway program, which began in Texas in 1985, has grown into a nationally and internationally recognized initiative aimed at keeping roadways clean and saving taxpayer dollars. Currently, the program boasts approximately 3,300 participating groups across the state, each adopting a two-mile stretch of highway for a minimum of two years and conducting litter pick-ups four times per year.
CDRI’s participation in the program reflects their broader mission of preserving the natural beauty of the Chihuahuan Desert region. The institute’s 507-acre site features semi-desert grasslands, igneous rock outcrops, and notable landmarks such as Modesta Canyon, Clayton’s Overlook, the Desert Botanical Gardens, the Maxie Templeton Cactus Museum Collection, the Bird Blind, the Heritage Mining Exhibit, and the Geologic Timeline display in front of the Powell Visitor Center. Visitors can also explore additional exhibits inside the Powell Visitor Center and shop at the Nature Center Gift Shop.
The original Adopt-a-Highway program encourages various groups—including individuals, families, youth organizations, businesses, civic and non-profit organizations, religious groups, fraternities, sororities, and schools—to take pride in their communities by keeping Texas highways free of litter. TXDOT provides volunteers with safety vests, litterbags, and safety training, and recognizes their efforts with Adopt-a-Highway signs displaying the group’s name at their adopted section.
The program is a testament to the power of volunteerism in enhancing the state’s natural beauty. By participating in the Adopt-a-Highway program, organizations like CDRI help reduce cleanup costs, save taxpayer money, and foster a sense of community pride.
For more information about the Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute and its programs, visit cdri.org. To learn more about the Adopt-a-Highway program and how to get involved, visit the TXDOT website or call 1-800-200-0003.
Image Credit CDRI
