Volunteers turn out to clean Historic Route 66

On Saturday, Oct. 17, 22 volunteers participated in a one-of-a-kind Adopt a Highway cleanup along one of Arizona’s most beloved roadways, Historic Route 66.

Park Santa Fe Shopping Center in Flagstaff was the meeting spot for the safety briefing before heading out to walk the east and westbound stretch of highway between Steves Boulevard and Fanning Drive, where Historic Route 66 travels parallel to Interstate 40.

In just 90 minutes the team transformed a trashed mile into a beautiful backdrop by filling 19 trash bags weighing over 260 pounds. Grab a mug of hot cocoa and visit our photo album to experience volunteers' chilly fall cleanup.

Victoria Niedzielski brought a crew of five from environmental consulting firm Logan Simpson, whose participation was part of an initiative to give back to the communities where company employees live and work. 

“We were really excited to see this opportunity in Flagstaff, and our office is actually right around the corner,” Niedzielski said. “It’s good to get together on a nice fall morning with your coworkers and it’s exciting to do this for the 100-year anniversary of Route 66.”

Cheri Valentino participated in the program’s 2025 Earth Day Cleanup in Tempe and made the trek from the Phoenix area to join the cleanup in Flagstaff.

“It’s America’s 250th anniversary and the Route 66 Centennial. I think it’s really important that we do our part to help keep it clean and beautiful so that we can all enjoy it,” Valentino said.

Thank you to our volunteers for helping beautify a stretch of nostalgic highway. We’re grateful for your show of support that helps keep Arizona grand.

Everyone can help prevent litter before it happens by securing truck loads and loose trash in the vehicle before it hits the highway. 

If you’d like to adopt your own mile somewhere in Arizona, we can help with information on our website at azdot.gov/adoptahighway.