EVERETT–Since 2015, Snohomish resident Joe Hernandez and his family and friends have been picking up roadside litter along South Machias Road as volunteers with the Snohomish County Adopt-A-Road program. Hernandez’s group received recognition for its decade of volunteer service to the community at a ceremony on the county campus in Everett on Earth Day, Tuesday, April 22.
County Executive Dave Somers read a proclamation honoring the group and presented its members with a new sign that will be erected by road maintenance personnel at the group’s adopted location.
“The Adopt-A-Road program is a fine example of people, like Mr. Hernandez and his family and friends, working together to find solutions to problems that affect us all and to build civic pride,” Somers said. “The program was born out of a desire by many people in Snohomish County to start something that benefits the community. The county is proud that it has continued after so many years and appreciates selfless volunteers like Mr. Hernandez and his team.”
The Snohomish County Adopt-A-Road program has been in existence since 2008 pairing civic-minded individuals, businesses, non-profit organizations, and faith-based entities with sections of unincorporated county roadway. Groups commit to an initial two-year commitment picking up litter at least twice per year. The program currently features 43 different groups managing 51 sections.
As with any growing area, litter is bound to become an issue, which is why creative solutions are needed. Hernandez’s group is one of four active groups within the program that have been volunteering for more than a decade. At least a dozen groups have been with the program for five years or more.
“The Adopt-A-Road program is part of a dedicated three-pronged approach managed by Public Works to keep litter and waste off unincorporated county roads,” said Public Works Director Kelly Snyder. “The county’s Litter Wranglers litter crew, Environmental Clean Up team, and the Adopt-A-Road participants, all work hard to keep our beautiful county looking good. This work is invaluable.”
Snyder announced at the ceremony that the popularity of the program required its expansion. Eleven new sections, all of which are in the Lynnwood and Bothell areas, have been added to the program and are available for adoption. More sections are likely to be added later this year.
To see a list of the available sections and for more information, visit the Adopt-A-Road webpage at https://www.snohomishcountywa.gov/664/Adopt-A-Road.
About Snohomish County Public Works
Snohomish County Public Works is responsible for approximately 1,600 miles of county roads, more than 200 bridges, and manages in excess of 200 traffic control signals. The department also processes nearly 670,000 tons of garbage per year. Its mission is to focus on safety and mobility while practicing fiscal responsibility and preserving the environment. Public Works has won numerous state and national honors for its work and is the second-largest department within Snohomish County government with nearly 600 employees plus seasonal staff. Its main office is located at 3000 Rockefeller Ave, Everett, WA 98201. Visit www.snohomishcountywa.gov/PublicWorks or follow the department on Facebook, Instagram, and X for more information about Snohomish County Public Works.
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
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