The Adopt A Highway crew poses for a photo after the April 25th cleaning of a two-mile stretch of Highway US 131, near the Jordan River National Fish Hatchery. - FWS photo by Clarice Beckner

Several years ago the Jordan River National Fish Hatchery adopted a two-mile section of highway US 131.  This program, through the Michigan Department of Transportation, requests that three clean ups be made annually; April, July and September. 

Normally it is an activity that the entire crew gets involved with, but the April clean up can be a challenge.  The hatchery begins their annual distribution of lake trout in April, which involves hauling fish to various ports around Lakes Michigan and Huron. 

Most of  the staff can be away from the hatchery involved in this important restoration effort.  Therefore they must look to alternative sources for participants to be involved in the clean up effort. 

On April 25^th, 10 high school students and the Director of the Concord Academy Antrim, four members from the East Jordan Snowmobile Club, and one member of the Jordan River National Fish Hatchery Friends Group came to our rescue.  Concord Academy Antrim Director, Kathy Schanski, has added the Adopt-a-Highway Program into their curriculum. 

Only students in good standing are allowed to participate in the clean up.  With their assistance we were able to remove 26 large bags of debris from the roadside area.  The group was treated to a hot dog roast for their efforts.  Everyone understands the program’s importance and has pledged their ongoing support.