Up for Adoption! In 1985 Texas introduced the Adopt-a-Highway program to give citizens an opportunity to support litter prevention by picking up trash along designated stretches of highway in the Lone Star State. Currently the program has more than 4500 groups involved. Here in Blanco, the Masons have helped Keep Blanco (and Texas) Beautiful since February 1987 along the stretch of 281 north of town. The Austin Healy Club out of Austin provides the same service on 1623. These dedicated groups agree to clean up a two mile right-of-way along their designated road four times a year for a minimum of two years. The Masons have dedicated over 25 years of community service to helping keep the roadsides litter free.

Adopt-a-Highway has spun off new opportunities for the citizens of the State and Blanco to assist in litter prevention. Realizing many people would like to participate but for various reasons can not adopt a two mile stretch of roadway, the Adopt-A- Spot program was developed. This program provides an opportunity for individuals and groups to choose a public area like a park, drainage ditch, or right-of-way along the roadside in front of public or commercial building or the block along which they live. They then pledge to be responsible for the litter in that area by picking it up four times a year. The opportunities are as varied as the citizens’ enthusiasm and only limited by their lack of participation.

Unlike the Adopt-A-Highway program which is run by the State, the Adopt-A-Spot program is administered by the local government. The City of Blanco in conjunction with Keep Blanco Beautiful always supports citizen participation in litter prevention. Keep Blanco Beautiful is soliciting suggestions for spots to adopt. Some areas already identified are the Pecan Bottom and creek, the ditch that runs between 281 and Elm, Flat Rock, and the roadside along the cemetery. The list is only limited by lack of imagination. All it takes is pride in the Blanco community to make a success of the Adopt-A-Spot program. If you have ideas or want first crack at choosing your spot to adopt, contact Martha Gosnell at 833-0586.

Blanco takes pride in its Panthers. Let’s take pride in our town as well. Bask in the glory of claiming a piece of Texas pride. Adopt-A-Spot!