The Michigan Department of Transportation is seeking volunteers for the final scheduled Adopt-A-Highway cleanup period of 2026, which runs from Sept. 19 through Sept. 27.
Sections of highway are still available to adopt. According to MDOT, approximately 2,600 groups have adopted more than 6,000 miles of state highway through the program. In 2025, an estimated 19,000 participants collected almost 40,000 bags of trash during the three annual pickup periods.
Volunteer crews must include at least three people, and members must be at least 12 years old. Groups are asked to adopt a highway section for at least two years. There is no fee to participate. MDOT provides free high-visibility safety vests, trash bags, and arranges for trash removal. Volunteers wear vests required by federal regulations.
The Adopt-A-Highway program began in Michigan in 1990. More information and a map of available segments are available on the program's website.