The traditional gift for a 20th anniversary is china -- Missouri's Adopt-A-Highway program would settle for everyone putting their fast food containers in trashcans. This fall, Adopt-A-Highway in Missouri celebrates its 20th year anniversary, and while time does fly when you’re having fun, the Missouri Department of Transportation reminds Missourians there’s still plenty of work to do...and it’s time to do it. The program keeps Missouri roads beautiful and saves taxpayers money! To learn more about the program or to participate go to the Adopt-A-Highway page of MoDOT's web site. AAH milestones over the past 20 years 1987 – Missouri Adopt-A-Highway program is created. 1991 – The 5,000th adoption was recorded. 1992 – Created Volunteer Appreciation Month for five-year anniversary. 2000 - Design of the sign was changed adding the coreopsis, a flower native to Missouri, and the sign was made blue and yellow to be more visually appealing. 2001 – Program rules were changed to allow people to adopt in memory of someone. There are now more than 363 adopted in memory of a loved one. 2002 – Expanded program by partnering with the Missouri Department of Conservation to establish a statewide litter-prevention campaign called, No MOre Trash! 2007 - New option added so adopters can plant native wildflowers on their roadsides.
First Lady Melanie Blunt and Missouri Department of Transportation Chief Engineer Kevin Keith helped celebrate the 20th anniversary of Adopt-A-Highway at a press conference Oct. 19 on the Capitol lawn. Two of the four charter adopters still in the program attended and were recognized for 20 years of service and a new wildflower adoption option for the program was announced. A great visual to commemorate the event was a 13-foot tall wildflower made of recycled Adopt-A-Highway and No MOre Trash! signs.
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A 13-foot tall wildflower made of recycled Adopt-A-Highway and No MOre Trash! signs.
Two members of the Viva Cuba Beautification Committee accept an award from First Lady Melanie Blunt. Also, Pat Hawver from the City of North Kansas City accepts an award from First Lady Melanie Blunt and MoDOT Chief Engineer Kevin Keith.
Jill Barnett of the Viva Cuba Beautification Committee blows out the candles on the AAH 20th anniversary cake.