Keep Cherokee Beautiful

05/14/2026

Our parent organization just released a new litter study. Read on to see the findings.

🎉 BIG NEWS: Our 2026 National Litter Study is here!

After months of research, we’re thrilled to release the most comprehensive data on litter in America—and the findings are incredibly encouraging.

Litter across U.S. roadways and waterways is down 34% since 2020. Every American’s share dropped from 152 pieces to 96. This is proof that when communities work together, real change happens.

But our work is far from done—35 billion pieces of litter remain. The study shows us exactly where we need to focus next, and with America’s 250th birthday approaching, there has never been a better time to finish what we started.

📊 Dive into the data and discover what’s working across the country.

Read the full 2026 National Litter Study now: https://kab.org/litter/litter-study/

05/13/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. This month, we will be highlighting some of the ways volunteering improves our lives.

Volunteering helps us connect with others and can even help us grow our support network. Working alongside people who share similar values and interests fosters a sense of community and belonging. Connecting with others also reduces loneliness, boosts mood, and improves self-esteem. Read more about the health benefits of social connection in the article linked in the comments.

May you be well. 🫶

05/11/2026

Today we highlight the people of the YMCA of Cherokee County. On Friday morning, 14 of their volunteers cleaned their adopted mile with - what looks like - a lot of joy and laughter! 😄

These folks must know something about how to have fun. 🤩 Together they collected 11 bags of litter in two hours.

Here’s what they like about the Adopt-A-Mile program: “Very easy process and the volunteers love the simplicity of the job. They get instant gratification for their work.”

We totally agree. Cleaning roads makes an immediate visual difference.

Thank you, YMCA! 💚 We love that you are a part of KCB.

05/10/2026

05/09/2026

A shout out to Lisa Ciotoli for the work she and friends do representing BridgeMill Heights. 👋

On April 27, she and a friend collected three bags of litter on their adopted section of Ridge Road.

Thank you, Lisa, for your dedication to the Adopt-A-Mile effort! Your road looks beautiful. 🌸

05/07/2026

Most of us will never climb to the top of a rainforest canopy, but Dr. Nalini Nadkarni has built her life there. 🌳

This AAPI Heritage Month, we’re highlighting the scientist known as the “Queen of the Forest Canopy,” whose research opened up an entirely new way of understanding forests: from the treetops down

But she didn’t stop at research. Nalini has brought her work into classrooms, prisons, and public spaces, finding unexpected ways to connect people to nature and make science accessible to everyone.

Because when people feel connected to the natural world, they’re far more likely to protect it. 💚

05/06/2026

Do you have a favorite trail - but it’s a little trashy? 🥤 Keep Cherokee Beautiful is seeking intel on trashy wooded areas and local trails that need some TLC. 🌿

Tell us where, and we will set a date to meet you there and help you clean it up. 🗓️ Bring your friends and we will bring some too!

*We will provide grabbers, bags, and arrange for bag collection.

05/05/2026

For Mental Health Awareness Month, we are highlighting some of the ways volunteering improves our lives.

Volunteering provides us with a sense of purpose! When our actions are helping the community, we feel like we matter. This can lead us to make better choices for our health. A sense of purpose also keeps our brains healthy as we age. See the article in the comments to read more about how a sense of purpose is a driver of longevity and a healthy body and mind.

May you be well. 🫶

05/04/2026

Another cleanup in the books. The Falls of Cherokee HOA had 9 volunteers out Saturday morning on Sixes Road collecting litter. Thank you to everyone who came to help! 🧡

This maintenance cleanup yielded 15 bags of litter. Our Adopt-A-Mile teams know that while a road might look clean at 40mph, there is always litter lurking in the weeds. 🌿

If you are interested in adopting a section of road, reach out to us. It costs you nothing but your time and energy. We provide all the supplies, and our county support team collects your filled bags. 💪🏻

05/02/2026

8,356 pounds of electronics! 📺💻

That’s how much was collected at last Friday’s recycling event held by the Cherokee Chamber of Commerce.

We are happy to provide support at this annual event. ♻️

05/01/2026

Did you know that volunteering is good for your mental health? 💚

Spending time in nature is also proven to boost your mental and physical well-being.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. This month, we will be highlighting some of the ways volunteering improves our lives.

One way volunteering benefits us is that it feels good! Participating in acts that benefit others while working in tandem with other volunteers for altruistic reasons produces endorphins. (See the article in the comments to read about this and eight other benefits of volunteering.)

May you be well. 🫶