Boy Scout Troop 303 had a wonderful opportunity to pick up trash on Stevenson Mill Road last weekend. Wonderful? Yes, but not because it was enjoyable. They worked hard for four hours bending over to pick up trash on 5 miles of highway, without earning any merit badges. It was wonderful because they gained an understanding of the need to protect our environment rather than trash it.

Diapers, alcoholic beverage containers, McDonald's packaging, cigarette butts, Wal-Mart bags, medicine bottles, and even ladies' underwear were tossed out of vehicles destroying the beauty of Logan County's countryside. The majority of litter was found as you first entered the road from the bypass and in sections of the road out of the sight of homeowners. The volume of litter, including a case of empty beer bottles, made it appear as though some people think a wooded, uninhabited section of highway is an invitation to litter.

It was also wonderful that the Boy Scouts learned some positive values from good citizens that day. Homeowners along this road take pride in the front of their property, and we were able to just keep walking in those areas because the homeowners had already picked up the litter along the road if front of their homes. It was encouraging to hear passing residents stop and thank the boys for their help. One gentleman thanked them for their work and offered to give them cokes to drink when they were finished.

The trash pick-up program is a wonderful opportunity to teach our future residents to care about the world in which they live. We often learn through what we do, and I feel confident that these young men have learned by what they did that day. Thanks to Boy Scouts Ryan Alexander, Dakota Cowan, Weylin Gilbert, David Harris, Nathan Sindorf, and Aaron Smith, and their families for their hard work. A special thanks to Debbie Nelson, Logan County solid waste management coordinator, for her oversight of this program and her dedication to the task of helping improve the quality of life for our residents, and to the citizens of Logan County who share our pride and remember not to litter.