Beginning Saturday, motorists should be on the lookout as Adopt-A-Highway volunteers fan out across Michigan picking up litter. The statewide pickup will continue through Sunday, July 21.

Adopt-A-Highway is an MDOT program designed to help keep the state’s highway roadsides clean and attractive. Participants adopt both sides of a section of state highway roadside to clean up for at least a two-year period. A minimum two-mile stretch of roadway is recommended.

When working in a highway right of way, Adopt-A-Highway volunteers wear high-visibility, yellow-green safety vests required by federal regulations. The Michigan Department of Transportation provides free vests and trash bags, and arranges to haul away the trash.

All types of state highways may be adopted, including two-lane roads, limited access highways, boulevards and business routes.

The program began in Michigan in 1990 and has grown to involve more than 2,900 groups cleaning more than 6,000 miles of highway. Every year, volunteers regularly collect more than 60,000 bags of trash.

Getting involved is straightforward. Volunteers 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. Adopt-A-Highway signs bearing group names are posted along the stretches of adopted highway.

Sections of highway are available for adoption all over the state. Interested groups can get more information on joining the program at www.Michigan.gov/AdoptAHighway.

The year’s final Adopt-A-Highway statewide pickup is scheduled for the fall, from Sept. 21-29. A spring pickup in the Upper Peninsula took place May 18-26.

To the volunteers participating in the program, thank you, 60,000 times.