For more than 30 years, the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge’s Adopt-a-Road program has enlisted volunteers to clean roadsides that border and bisect refuge lands. The refuge thanks the volunteers whose commitment and hard work help keep the area free from litter.

As of June 3, 2026, the spring Adopt-a-Road season concluded. During the season, more than 60 volunteers cleaned up trash along more than 35 miles of refuge roads.

Volunteers collected enough trash to overflow a six-yard dumpster, which was donated by ACE Solid Waste. The most common items picked up were cans, bottles, and food wrappers.

Volunteers also reported seeing interesting wildlife and native wildflowers while they worked—making the experience especially memorable. The Adopt-a-Road program helps keep refuge habitats healthy for wildlife and serves as a reminder of the responsibility of land stewardship. Volunteers who participate share a sense of duty to take action and inspire others to do the same.

Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and is located near Princeton, Zimmerman, and St. Cloud in central Minnesota.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.