Grant applications available

An estimated 14,000 volunteers in Oklahoma will join millions nationwide to participate in the 2024 Great American Cleanup in Oklahoma.

The statewide litter remediation and beautification program engages individuals, community groups, civic organizations, municipalities and companies in all 77 counties in Oklahoma.

In 2023, the program, which runs from March 1 through May 31, resulted in 2.3 million pounds of trash collected, including 4,900 acres of public land cleared and 31,000 trees, flowers and shrubs planted.

“We welcome communities across the state to join us. You can participate with friends, family, your office or civic group,” said Dillon Wehba, Keep Oklahoma Beautiful Programs Director. “Every small area cleaned is one big step in making your community more beautiful.”

Any group that wants to participate can register through Keep Oklahoma Beautiful’s website at www.keepoklahomabeautiful. com and are eligible to receive free trash bags, gloves, vests, bottled water, t-shirts and promotional banners.

Supplies are picked up at local county Oklahoma Department of Transportation offices or at Keep Oklahoma Beautiful’s Oklahoma City headquarters.

Once groups have registered, completed their cleanup, and submitted a wrap-up report, they qualify to receive a cash prize and be recognized at the Environmental Excellence Celebration, Keep Oklahoma Beautiful’s signature fundraising and recognition event in November.

Registered groups also have access to cash grants, sponsored by OG&E Energy Corp., and equipment grants, sponsored by Lowe’s. OG&E #GACinOK Cash Grant applications and Lowe’s Equipment Grant applications and open now through February 21, 2024 at https:// linktr.ee/keepokbeautiful.

The Great American Cleanup in Oklahoma is sponsored by the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, Oklahoma Department of Transportation and the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality.

Other in-kind sponsors include: Pepsico, OG&E Energy Corp., Lowe’s, and Warren CAT.

Keep Oklahoma Beautiful is a statewide nonprofit with a mission to empower Oklahoma citizens to preserve and enhance the state’s natural beauty and ensure a healthy, sustainable environment.

To register for the Great American Cleanup in Oklahoma, visit keepoklahomabeautiful. com. For more information, contact Dillon Wehba at dillon@keepoklahomabeautiful. com