What it's like to adopt a highway by Janina Shoemaker of Sea Rocket Chapter

Sea Rocket Chapter, North Brevard County, held our first Adopt-a-Highway litter pickup with a crew of four, Saturday, October 20, along Columbia Blvd (a major 4-lane to the Space Coast) in 77-80 F weather, (warm but not too humid). We collected a ton (*) of paper, plastic, and some metal trash in under 3 hours, totaling 12 volunteer hours for the society. 
Litter Crew: David Humphrey, Janina Shoemaker, and Jim Robey
The team considered this a trial learning experience and found that a single sweep of four abreast was more efficient than two pair working both shoulders. We discovered a gopher tortoise meandering along the highway, but also found the remains of a deer and an armadillo, stripped to the bones. Our area of pickup was both sides of the road, in some places about ten feet wide, and in others, a wider expanse past culverts up to fence lines. We noted many native species growing, healthy green-ways, preventing run-off. (The median is NOT included, DOT rules.) 
Our next litter pickup will be scheduled for February, and we encourage members and friends to join us. We feel this project is a good way to present our name to the public, to be visible in community service. We also attend various festivals with literature and native plants and continue to grow our membership. If you live in the area or are willing to travel to Titusville to volunteer, contact Janina13@cfl.rr.com. (*) an exaggeration 
Placing our "loot" under the highway sign for DOT pickup.

Location: Brevard County Enchanted Forest Sanctuary, 444 Columbia Blvd, Titusville, FL 32780, USA

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