Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – Sept 6, 2024 – Keep Arkansas Beautiful (KAB) is calling on Arkansans to roll up their sleeves and help beautify The Natural State during the 2024 Great Arkansas Cleanup (GAC), which will begin on Sept. 7 and continue through Oct. 31.

The GAC is an annual statewide initiative led by Keep Arkansas Beautiful, a certified affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, according to a Keep Arkansas Beautiful press release on Thursday.

In collaboration with Arkansas’ 13 certified Keep America Beautiful affiliates located throughout the state, such as Keep Jonesboro Beautiful; this event brings together thousands of volunteers each year to lead local cleanup and beautification efforts during September and October.

Since its inception in 1969, the GAC has evolved into a cornerstone of environmental stewardship in Arkansas. From the initial cleanup at Greers Ferry Lake and the Little Red River to today’s statewide effort, the mission remains the same.

Keep Arkansas Beautiful Executive Director McKenzie McMath Coronel said their goal is to unite the state in a collective effort to host cleanup events in all 75 Arkansas counties.

“The Great Arkansas Cleanup isn’t just about removing litter — it’s about fostering a sense of pride and responsibility, working together to restore and enhance our communities,” she said.

In 2023, Keep Arkansas Beautiful mobilized 22,520 volunteers who contributed 147,230 hours to collect 636 tons of litter. These efforts spanned 2,132 miles of roadways, 327 miles of waterways, and 772,051 acres of parks and public spaces. With cleanups registered in every county, the dedication of these volunteers returned an estimated $5.4 million in economic value to local communities.

Shea Lewis, Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism said that, by participating in the Great Arkansas Cleanup, you’re helping to enhance outdoor recreation areas, protect wildlife and boost the quality of life across the state.

“Clean, well-maintained spaces attract tourists, improve property values and create a healthier environment for everyone to enjoy.” he added.

Registration is open for the 2024 GAC. Volunteers can register a cleanup event or sign up to participate in a scheduled event at KeepArkansasBeautiful.com. Keep Arkansas Beautiful provides T-shirts as well as supplies to aid cleanup efforts on a “first come, first serve” basis. Requests must be made at least 14 days before the cleanup event date.

Keep Jonesboro Beautiful Chair Beverly Parker said on Friday that they are still coordinating their events for the GAC and will be announcing them soon.

According to the Keep Arkansas Beautiful website, some local events scheduled include:

  • Keep Lake Poinsett on Point on September 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lake Poinsett State Park, 5752 State Park Rd, in Harrisburg.
  • Gosnell Highway Cleanup on September 12 from 9 a.m. to noon at 600 AR-181 in Blytheville.
  • Big Mississippi County Cleanup on September 13 from 8 a.m. to noon at 300 W Walnut St, in Blytheville.
  • Girl Scouts Love State Parks 2024: Jacksonport Fall Cleanup on September 14 from 9 a.m. to noon at Jacksonport State Park in Newport.
  • Crowley’s Ridge State Park Cleanup on September 21 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Crowley’s Ridge State Park, 2092 AR-168 North, in Paragould.
  • Newport City Wide Cleanup on September 22 from 10-10:30 a.m. at 615 3rd St in Newport.
  • Lake Frierson State Park Cleanup on September 28 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Lake Frierson State Park, 7904 AR-141, in Jonesboro.
  • Village Creek State Park Cleanup on September 28 from 8:30am to noon at Village Creek State Park, 201 County Road 754, in Wynne.
  • Forrest City Cleanup on October 19, from 9-11 a.m. at 225 North Washington in Forrest City.

For information on how to participate in the Great Arkansas Cleanup or for more events, go to KeepArkansasBeautiful.com.