LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (September 5, 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), running Sept. 7– Oct. 31.

The GAC is an annual statewide initiative led by Keep Arkansas Beautiful, a certified affiliate of Keep America Beautiful. In collaboration with Arkansas’ 13 certified Keep America Beautiful affiliates located throughout the state, this event brings together thousands of volunteers each year to lead local cleanups 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.

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

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. 

“By participating in the Great Arkansas Cleanup, you’re helping to enhance outdoor recreation areas, protect wildlife and boost the quality of life across our state,” said Shea Lewis, Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. “Clean, well-maintained spaces attract tourists, improve property values and create a healthier environment for everyone to enjoy.”

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.

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