They’re a familiar sight for motorists in Michigan, the “Adopt-A-Highway” signs with a simple logo of four green trees and a curved road, along with a nameplate that lists who has agreed to tend the next few miles for trash.

Adopt-A-Highway is the Michigan Department of Transportation program that aims to keep the state’s highway roadsides clean and attractive, according to MDOT. Participants adopt both sides of a section of state highway and agree to pick up garbage and debris on the roadside and in the ditches for at least two years. A minimum 2-mile stretch of roadway is recommended. All types of state highways may be adopted, including two-lane roads, limited access highways, boulevards and business routes.

Every year, Adopt-A-Highway volunteers regularly collect more than 60,000 bags of trash. First started in Michigan in 1990, the program has grown to involve more than 2,900 groups cleaning more than 6,000 miles of highway.

And in coming days, you’ll be able to see these volunteer cleanup crews in action.

The second Adopt-A-Highway collection period for 2022 is set to start Saturday and extend through Sunday, July 24.

Motorists are asked to be aware as people fan out along state roadways, picking up litter. When working in a highway right of way, Adopt-A-Highway volunteers wear high-visibility, yellow-green safety vests required by federal regulations. MDOT provides free vests and trash bags, and arranges to haul away the trash.

If all that activity proves inspirational, MDOT states it has sections of highway throughout the state available for adoption. Interested groups can get more information on joining the program at www.Michigan.gov/AdoptAHighway.

Getting involved in the program is straightforward. Volunteers can include members of civic groups, businesses and families. Crew members have to be at least 12 years old and each group must include at least three people. Groups are asked to adopt a section of highway for at least two years. There is no fee to participate.

The year’s final Adopt-A-Highway pickup is scheduled for the fall, from Sept. 24 to Oct. 2.

So watch for these yellow-green-vested volunteers along the highways, both during this coming collection period and in the fall. Give them a wide berth if possible — and perhaps consider getting involved in the future.