Get Involved
West Virginia Adopt-A-Highway Program
The Adopt-A-Highway Program is a volunteer initiative co-sponsored by the West Virginia Division of Highways and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Established in the late 1980s, the program aims to improve environmental quality by encouraging public involvement in the elimination of highway litter. Its core objective is to save taxpayers money by increasing public awareness and serving as an educational tool regarding the consequences of unchecked littering.
How the Program Works
Volunteers take charge of their local environment by committing to clean a specific section of state-maintained roadside. The program operates under the following guidelines:
- Commitment: Adoptions are for a two-year, renewable period. Groups must commit to cleaning a two-mile continuous stretch of roadway at least twice a year.
- State Support: The state disposes of the bagged trash and furnishes volunteers with garbage bags, work gloves, high-visibility safety vests, and "Litter Cleanup Ahead" signs at no cost.
- Recognition: After the first reported cleanup, volunteer group names are proudly displayed on official recognition signs posted at each end of the adopted road.
- Adopt-A-Spot: For those looking to manage smaller areas, the companion Adopt-A-Spot program allows volunteers to maintain sections of state rights-of-way that are one-quarter mile or less in length.
Who Can Participate
The program is completely free and open to individuals, families, churches, businesses, schools, civic organizations, fraternities, and government agencies. To ensure safety, all participating volunteers must be at least 12 years old and are required to watch provided safety training videos prior to their cleanup events.
To view safety videos, submit an application, or map a road for adoption, visit the official West Virginia Adopt-A-Highway Program website.
West Virginia Bridge Design and Build Contest
The West Virginia Bridge Design and Build Contest is an annual, statewide STEM outreach initiative jointly organized by the West Virginia Department of Transportation (WVDOT) and the West Virginia University Institute of Technology (WVU Tech). The program introduces middle and high school students to authentic engineering challenges through hands-on structural design.
How the Competition Works
The contest features a multi-phase format that tests both digital modeling and physical construction:
- Virtual Software Design: Students use specialized bridge design software to engineer a structurally sound bridge, competing to maximize cost-efficiency.
- Balsa Wood Construction: Qualifying finalists build physical models of their designs using balsa wood. These models undergo live load testing at a state finals event to measure their ultimate strength-to-weight ratio.
Program Goals
By blending digital simulation with physical testing, the contest strengthens problem-solving skills, encourages teamwork, and aims to inspire West Virginia youth to pursue long-term careers in engineering and technology.
For registration, software downloads, and contest resources, visit the official West Virginia Bridge Design and Build Contest website.
West Virginia Rails-to-Trails Program
The West Virginia Rails-to-Trails initiative focuses on converting disused railroad corridors into vibrant, multi-use public trails. These trails are primarily built, managed, and maintained by dedicated volunteers and local organizations, providing communities across the state with safe outdoor spaces for recreation, active transportation, and economic revitalization.
How to Get Involved
Because the network relies heavily on grassroots support, there are numerous ways for individuals and groups to contribute to the success of West Virginia’s rail-trails:
- Local Volunteerism: Community members are encouraged to join local rail-trail organizations to help build and maintain pathways, serve on boards, or act as volunteer trail monitors who keep an eye out and report safety issues.
- Advocacy and Promotion: Trail enthusiasts are urged to be champions for the program by communicating the value of rail-trails to city, county, state, and federal leaders to secure ongoing support and investment.
- Sharing Experiences: Users can help boost trail visibility by posting trip reports, updates, and photos on national trail-finding platforms like TrailLink.
Supporting the Network
Whether you choose to participate through hands-on trail maintenance, financial donations, or local advocacy, community involvement is essential for keeping these pathways accessible and safe for everyone.
To find local trail organizations, learn about upcoming events, or discover new trails, visit the official West Virginia Rails-to-Trails Council website.
