Copper Friends of the Library Adopts a Piece of Hwy 4

In June of 2010 the Copperopolis Library Branch Friends of the Library laid claim to a stretch of Highway 4 for clean up adoption. Copper FOTL President Marilyn Richardson says, “I think it’s a positive way to make a difference in our community.”

The stretch that the Copper FOTL is responsible for is from Vista Point to just past Main Street, where the local Lions Club picks up from there. “We clean when we choose, but it is becoming increasingly difficult to find people who want to help.” Marilyn points out that Vista Point tends to be a large job, but that at their last clean up date on February 12, 2011 that turned into a two day clean up, “it was encouraging to note that it was much cleaner than when we cleaned last.”

Adopt-a-Highway is sponsored by CalTrans. The program allows an individual or group with community pride to adopt a small section of a highway for the purpose of “picking up litter, removing graffiti, and sometimes vegetation control,” recycling is encouraged.

Marilyn states that safety is a major concern of CalTrans. No one under the age of 16 may volunteer and Cal Trans requires a 5 day notice prior to a work ‘party’ event. A safety orientation video is required to be viewed by all participants and safety equipment provided must be utilized by all workers.

Anyone interested in volunteering with FOTL for Adopt-a-Highway clean up can contact Marilyn at 785-2757.