Adopt a Highway: Volunteer takes on littered SR 87 near Mount Ord

Volunteer group leader Arturo Delgado wasted no time heading out for a first cleanup on his newly adopted mile, located on State Route 87 from milepost 222 to 224. The segment is near the western trailhead to Mount Ord (external link) and was Delgado’s choice for the adoption. He told me that it was because the area is near a heavily used trailhead and brake check area that can attract litter. 

“Three hours was barely enough to clean half a mile of my section before we filled five bags and picked up bulk trash. This area is going to require a lot more work than I thought, but I am so excited to see the change,” Delgado said. 

Prior to Delgado’s SR 87 adoption, he stepped up to volunteer for the ADOT-hosted National Volunteer Week and Earth Day cleanup event near Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on Apr. 22. During the event, I  had the chance to ask what motivated him to volunteer in this way. 

Delgado said, “I enjoy sightseeing and offroad alot in Arizona. Every time I see trash and pass by dump sites with couches or a bunch of debris on roadways, near trees and scenic spots, I feel like it ruins the environment and the experience. I want to do whatever I can to make sure that I can get a beautiful view and other people can enjoy being outdoors.”

ADOT applauds Delgado’s efforts to reduce the effects of littering along this stretch of SR 87. Thank you to our volunteers who donate time and resources to help keep Arizona Grand.

If you want to help lessen the effects of trash and increase beautiful views for yourself and others along state highways, please visit azdot.gov/adoptahighway.