Dr. Karen Bell
Keep Liberty Beautiful
It is important to keep our waterways clean, and the Adopt Liberty program with Keep Liberty Beautiful is a meaningful way for residents to take pride in their community and make a difference.
The program continues to grow each year, and KLB extends heartfelt thanks to the groups and individuals who support this effort.
“Our Adopt Liberty volunteers are truly environmental heroes,” said Amanda Jeffers, volunteer coordinator of Keep Liberty Beautiful.
“Every time they step out on a Saturday morning to pick up litter, they are protecting our ponds, our neighborhoods, and our future.”
Adopt Liberty groups can often be seen on weekends, cleaning roadsides and local community areas. So far, more than 45 miles of roadway have been cleaned each quarter, but there is still more work to be done across Liberty County.
“Our goal is to reach even more roads, ponds, and natural spaces,” said Ashley Roberts, program assistant of Keep Liberty Beautiful. “When we work together, we reduce pollution before it reaches our waterways.”
Ponds such as the ones at Bryant Commons in Hinesville collect litter and debris that flow through city storm drains. It takes dedicated volunteers to remove cigarette butts, cans, cups, bottles, fast-food containers, and other debris that begins on sidewalks and streets but ultimately washes into ponds and drainage systems. All of these items contribute to a major environmental concern known as nonpoint source pollution.
Unfortunately, the greatest threat to our local waterways comes from “nonpoint sources” (NPS), which are difficult to control because they come from many everyday places, such as our homes, roads, businesses, and neighborhoods. NPS pollution occurs when rainfall or irrigation moves over the ground, picking up pollutants along the way.
As the runoff travels, it carries natural and human- made contaminants into creeks, lakes, rivers, wetlands, coastal waters, and even underground drinking water sources.
Because rainfall often washes this debris into waterways, it is commonly referred to as stormwater pollution.
These pollutants may include: - Oil, grease, and toxic chemicals from urban runoff and energy production - Sediment from poorly managed construction sites, croplands, and eroding stream banks - Bacteria and nutrients from pet waste, animals, and faulty septic systems - And, of course, litter According to the EPA, nonpoint source pollution remains the leading cause of water quality problems nationwide. It harms drinking water, wildlife, and, as research increasingly shows, our recreational and seafood fisheries. As urbanization grows, these impacts worsen unless communities work together to change harmful habits.
Programs like Adopt Liberty help create that positive change.
Education and action go hand in hand. When people understand how everyday litter becomes water pollution, they are more motivated to be part of the solution.
Residents interested in joining the Adopt Liberty program can easily sign up through our website or contact Keep Liberty Beautiful directly. We provide all necessary cleanup supplies, including garbage bags, safety vests, gloves, and litter reachers, to make participation simple and accessible.
We remove barriers so volunteers can simply show up and serve. Every volunteer matters. Every cleanup matters.
Keep Liberty Beautiful has its next Recycle It!
Fairs on Saturday, February 21, so start gathering your Household Hazards items now. The time will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the following locations: Liberty County Community Complex 9397 East Oglethorpe Highway, Midway Walthourville City Hall 222 Busbee Drive, Walthourville (The Shred Truck will only be available at this site only.)
Items accepted include:
• electronics
• household paint (sealed, non-rusted, at least half full)
• used motor oil and antifreeze
• car batteries
• household batteries
• printer ink and toner cartridges
• telephone books, large catalogs, and books
• household goods, clothing, and shoes
• old prescription and over-the-counter medications Recycling and proper disposal protect our environment and our health.
Together, we can keep Liberty County cleaner, safer, and brighter for generations to come.
For more information, contact Keep Liberty Beautiful at (912) 8804888 or email klcb@libertycountyga.gov.
I invite every neighbor, every family, every organization to join us.
When we step up together, whether through Adopt Liberty, recycling, or simply choosing not to litter, we protect the place we call home. Let’s lead by example and Keep Liberty Beautiful for those who come after us.