Cleaning up, one mile at a time

June 2, 2026

By Tila Grant

DENTON, Texas — Community pride and teamwork were on display in TxDOT’s Don’t Mess with Texas Trash-Off.

On a humid Saturday afternoon, more than 30 members of the Denton–Lewisville Kappa Alpha Psi Alumni Chapter pitched in to clean up a state-maintained road they recently adopted. The goal was to, help make the community look its best and support TxDOT’s ongoing efforts to keep litter at an all-time low.

Kirk Nobles, chapter treasurer, noted that events like this strengthen community bonds and offer a way to give back.

“We have a very active and supportive chapter,” he said. “Activities like this are a chance for brothers to bond while giving back to the community,.”

The Trash-Off is a part of the Adopt‑a‑Highway program, which gives volunteer groups a chance to take charge of cleaning stretches of state highways a few times a year.

Besides picking up litter, the program helps make roads safer, protects natural resources, and builds a real sense of community pride. And when groups step up in April, they’re part of the Don’t Mess with Texas Trash‑Off—the program’s annual event.

The Trash Off is the big cleanup event for the Adopt-a-Highway program, throughout April. Catherine Cromer, the Statewide Coordinator for Adopt‑Aa‑Highway, said that volunteers across Texas made a real difference this past year.

In fiscal year 2025, Adopt‑a‑Highway and Trash‑Off volunteers pulled off 375 cleanup events—2,850 people cleared 750 miles of roads and picked up nearly 76,000 pounds of litter across the state.

TxDOT counts on partnerships with civic organizations, community groups, and dedicated volunteers to cut down on litter, make roads safer, and protect the environment.

Learn more about Adopt A Highway and how you can get involved and help keep Texas clean and beautiful.