October 5, 2011

CARY, NC – Volunteering to be an environmental champion just got easier thanks to the Town of Cary’s new conservation initiative, Adopt a Spot. Providing an opportunity for individuals or groups to adopt a street, park, greenway trail, stream or other public or private spot within Cary, Adopt a Spot is an initiative to support the Town’s Spruce program, a volunteer-based program founded in 2009 designed to connect citizens to beautification, litter reduction, and environmental service projects in the Cary community.

“While our Spruce program draws citizens to participate in singular events throughout the year, Adopt a Spot offers the chance to make a long-term commitment to keeping Cary clean and forever green,” said Sarah Justice, Town of Cary Conservation Specialist. Justice added that since the start of this pilot program, citizens have adopted ten spots in Cary and completed seven related litter sweeps.

Once a spot is adopted, volunteers commit to maintain it through litter control and beautification workdays four times a year for a minimum of two years. Adopted spots are designated with a permanent sign similar to the State’s Adopt a Highway program and a certificate of appreciation from the Mayor is presented to the spot adopter. While volunteers contribute their labor, the Town of Cary supports their efforts with tools and supplies or the resources to obtain those items.

The Town of Cary’s Spruce program is regularly recognized for its commitment to going green. Earlier this year, Spruce was awarded with the 2011 Regional Spotlight by the Carolina Recycling Association for its success in hosting community recycling events as well as with the 2010 Outstanding Litter Prevention Program award, also by Carolina Recycling Association. These awards celebrate the efforts of Spruce volunteers who cleaned litter, spread mulch, planted flowers and trees and reduced waste. During 2010, Spruce program events collected over 39.27 tons of material.

To get involved, search “Adopt a Spot” or “Spruce” at www.townofcary.org or call (919) 469-4301.

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PRIMARY CONTACTS: 
Sarah Justice, Conservation Specialist, (919) 469-4301
Deanna Boone, Deputy Public Information Officer, (919) 462-3908
Susan Moran, Public Information Director, (919) 380-4240

RELATED LINKS:
Adopt a Spot Initiative

Spruce Program