With spring arriving, many in our area are holding road cleanups, including the many roads and sections of roads that individuals and organizations have adopted in Polk County.

The Adopt A Highway Program is something the Polk County Appearance Commission says it is proud to support, and thanks the many individuals and organizations that are a part of this program, as well as the many people who take the initiative to work and clean their neighborhoods without being a part of a program. Area garden clubs are also busy with new plantings and garden rejuvenation. 

The Appearance Commission’s vision is “Our Foothills Clean, Beautiful, and Inviting”, with hopes that in the future there will be beautifully planted areas throughout the county on clean roadsides with artful wayfinding signage welcoming our visitors and informing them of the many interesting features in Polk’s rural, yet culturally rich area.

The appearance commission is busy working towards its goals, including sponsoring annual beautification awards for private and public improvements that are visible from roads and sidewalks.

We personally thank the listed participants, which according to the Department of Transportation, are now active in the Adopt A Highway program. If you have an interest in adopting a highway, please call our DOT district office at 828-881-7911.

The DOT staff will be happy to guide you through the process. If you would prefer to fund a road cleanup at a cost of $80 to $100 per mile, please contact the Polk County Appearance Commission and we will be happy to assist you.

• Tryon Kiwanis Club – North Carolina Highway 108, Harmon Field Road to I-26

• Bear Creek Lodge – U.S. 176, Pearson Falls Road north to Thompson Road.      

• Foothills Humane Society – State Road 1522, from Highway 14 to Flying Dutchman Road.

• Pat Doggett – Golf Course Road

• The Oaks Bed and Breakfast – Greenville Street, from U.S. 176 Main Street to County Line

• Finally Farm- Carriage Row, entire roadway

• McCutcheon Clan – Holbert Cove Road, from Piney Mountain Road for 2 miles.

• Adawehi Healing Center and Beneficial Foods – Fox Mountain Road, beginning at Highway 108 to Smith Dairy Road   

• Reynard’s Retreat – Hunting Country Road from Red Fox Road to I-26

• The Quattlebaum Family – Carolina and East Park drives

• The White Family in Memory of Bill and Bernice – Green Creek Drive from Highway 9 to Coxe Road 

• Victory Baptist Church – Pea Ridge Road, from Highway 74 going west for 2 miles.

• Blue Moon Farm – Phillips Road and South Phillips Road.

• Carolina Carriage Club – River Road, from Red Fox Road to Morgan Chapel Bridge

• Freer Equine Mobile Veterinary Service – Hugh Champion Road

• Carolina Mule Association – Walker Road

• Green Creek Fire Department – North Carolina Highway 9, from Chesnee Road to Landrum Road

• Saluda Community Land Trust – U.S. 176, from Dun Roamin Drive to Thompson Road (excluding town limits)

• The Family of Fred A. & Mary Ellen Morris – Pea Ridge Road, from North Carolina Highway 108 to Victory Baptist Church

• Reid Family – Johnson Road, entire road

• Elizabeth Shelley – East Green Creek Drive, from Poors Ford Road past Solen Williams to second gate

• Lebanon United Methodist Church – Big Level Road, from Rock Springs to Powell Road

• Sharon Horner – Powell Road, entire road

• Mountain Brook Vineyards – Phillips Dairy Road, entire road

• Camp Skyuka – Skyuka Mountain Road, entire road

• Champion Automotive – Bill Collins Road, from Penial Road to Smith Waldrop

• Tryon Horse Country Tours – U.S. 74, from John Shehan Road to bridge at Green River

Dave Friday