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Adopt-a-Spot

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Adopt-a-Spot

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What is Adopt-a-Spot?

Adopt-a-Spot is the City of Tyler's version on the Adopt-a-Highway program run by the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDoT). The Adopt-a-Highway program began right here in Tyler in 1985 with the Tyler Citivan Club adopting two miles of Hwy. 69 just north of Loop 323. Since then, it’s grown into a nationally and internationally recognized litter-prevention effort, saving taxpayers’ dollars and keeping our rights of way clean.

Here in the City of Tyler, Keep Tyler Beautiful manages the adoption of all streets, parks and other public spaces within the City limits. In 2022, more than 2,000 volunteers removed nearly 5 tons of litter from Tyler roadways, parks and waterways. 

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Get involved

It’s our volunteers who keep this Texas-born program going strong, and your help is needed now more than ever. Participation is simple:

  • You adopt a park, spot or one-mile stretch of road (some major streets require a minimum of 2 miles) for a minimum of two years. Note: Some interstates and highways are not eligible for adoption.
  • You agree to pick up litter four times per year or at least once every three months. Some heavier traffic areas may require more frequent pickups. 
  • Adopt-a-Spot signs will be posted with your group’s name at your adopted section. For parks and "spots", it will be posted in the property's footprint and for streets two signs will be installed, one at each end of the adopted section.
  • Adopt-a-Spot will provide your volunteers with safety vests, gloves, bags and other supplies upon request.
  • Groups complete a simple online form after each cleanup to help Keep Tyler Beautiful and Keep Texas Beautiful track the data. 
  • You bask in the glory of claiming a piece of Texas pride and know you are doing your part to keep Tyler litter-free.

Who should adopt?

Individuals, families, youth organizations, businesses- large and small, civic and non-profit organizations, religious groups, fraternities, sororities, and schools. Everyone should take pride in our beautiful city and Adopt-a-Spot. View a list of adoptees here. 

Memorial adoptions

Individuals and groups can adopt sections of roadway to memorialize individuals who have died. The recognition sign may include the phrase “in memory of,” the name of the person in whose memory the section is adopted, and the name of the adopting group. Please contact an Adopt-a-Spot coordinator for more information.

Why adopt?

  • Tyler is growing by leaps and bounds, and the surging population means more cars on our roadways and, unfortunately, more trash.
  • Although a large percentage of litter on Texas roadways is removed by paid contractors, volunteer efforts significantly reduce litter cleanup costs and save taxpayers money. In addition, many smaller streets may be missed, or larger streets need more regular cleanup. 
  • It's a free, easy way for groups to help beautify their communities.
  • Motorists respond. Seeing volunteers at work resonates with would-be offenders.

Application

Interested in participating in the program? Read the program guidelines below and fill out an application to contact Adopt-A-Spot today! You can also reach your local coordinator with any questions.

Volunteers

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