VCTF launching 'Adopt-A-Trail' program on Capital Trail

Four years after the official completion of the Virginia Capital Trail, the Virginia Department of Transportation and the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation are announcing the creation of a new program designed to reduce litter on the popular 52-mile trail.

The new “Adopt-a-Trail Program” – like VDOT’s Adopt-a-Highway Program – puts every VDOT-maintained mile of the Capital Trail in Henrico, Charles City and James City Counties up for adoption. VDOT’s Adopt-a-Highway program collects 26,000 bags of trash annually.

By signing up for the Adopt-a-Trail program, local businesses, civic, social or educational organizations, and people 18 and older will be able to adopt a 1-mile segment of the Virginia Capital Trail. Participants agree to pick up litter in their designated segment a minimum of four times a year for a two-year period. VDOT will provide participants with trash bags, safety vests, trash grabbers, and “Cleanup Crew Working” signs. After two cleanups are conducted a minimum of 30 days apart, VDOT will recognize the participants' environmental stewardship by installing an “Adopt-a-Trail” sign that displays the participant’s name. The signs will be posted along the Virginia Capital Trail and be visible to all trail users.

“We are excited to join with our friends at VDOT on a program that will help enhance the naturally aesthetic appeal of the Virginia Capital Trail,” said Cat Anthony, executive director of the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation. “Making the Capital Trail litter free is consistent with our values of being good environmental stewards in our community, and I urge individuals and organizations to participate in Adopt-a-Trail.”

Additional information is available on the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation’s website at virginiacapitaltrail.org. Inquiries can be sent to adoptatrail@virginiacapitaltrail.org.