Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge thanks dedicated volunteers

For over 30 years, the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge’s Adopt-A-Road program has been enlisting the help of volunteers to clean roadsides that border and bisect refuge lands. Sherburne Refuge would like to recognize the commitment and hard work of volunteers that help keep the refuge free from litter.

As of June 3rd, the 2026 Spring Adopt-a-Road season concluded. In total, there were over 60 volunteers who cleaned up trash on over thirty-five miles of refuge roads. Volunteers collected enough bags of trash to overflow a six-yard dumpster that was donated by ACE Solid Waste.

The most common items picked up were cans, bottles and food wrappers. Volunteers also reported getting to see some neat things while they were picking up trash, including interesting wildlife and native wildflowers, which made the experience especially memorable!

The Adopt-a-Road program keeps refuge habitats healthy for wildlife and serves as a reminder of the responsibility of land stewardship. Volunteers who participate in the Adopt-a-Road program share a sense of duty to take action and hopefully inspire visitors to do the same.

Interested in adopting a section of road, either as an individual or an organization? Reach out to Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge staff at sherburne@fws.gov to be added to the contact list for the next Adopt a Road session in fall.