The nonprofit organization responsible for collecting more than 3,000 bags of litter along the roads of Louisa County is expanding its mission, broadening both its outreach and prevention efforts as it prepares for its annual “The Big Clean” event—a coordinated, two-day roadside cleanup initiative.

Louisa Clean, an all-volunteer group, has made a visible impact across the county not only through cleanup efforts, but also through education and advocacy. In addition to promoting environmental stewardship and encouraging the next generation to become responsible citizens, the organization has taken a more proactive role in addressing the root causes of roadside litter. In recent months, members have advocated for drivers to secure loads when transporting debris and have begun distributing free cargo nets at landfill and recycling sites to help prevent trash from blowing out of vehicles along local highways.

What began as a simple social media page formed by a small group of friends has since evolved into a countywide movement, with treasurer Jody Korman and president Bobby George spearheading the effort. Since its founding in 2022, the group has grown to include a database of 309 volunteers, with hundreds actively participating in cleanup efforts. Collectively, those volunteers have contributed more than 3,000 hours of community service, working yearround through winter weather and summer heat.

With the help of numerous grants used to purchase supplies and safety equipment, along with ongoing cooperation from the Virginia Department of Transportation, Louisa Clean has expanded its reach significantly. The organization now maintains 26 road segments through the Adopt-a-Highway program, further solidifying its presence across the county.

Despite this progress, litter—particularly cigarette butts and scattered debris—remains a persistent, countywide issue. On April 6, Korman and George addressed the Louisa County Board of Supervisors, providing an update on the group’s work while emphasizing both improvements and ongoing concerns.

“What we’re noticing is that truckers and individuals are now noticing who we are, and they are actually moving over for us, and some are slowing down—and we really like that because it’s been a big concern,” Korman said, while also expressing appreciation for local law enforcement support. “We also would like to thank the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office, who has been absolutely phenomenal at showing up and slowing traffic down. Please tell Sheriff Lowe thank you.”

Korman noted that while the high volume of collected trash reflects strong volunteer engagement, the group ultimately hopes to see those numbers decline. She suggested forming a “think tank” to explore long-term solutions to reduce litter at its source.

Members also highlighted specific problem areas, including Mica and Moorefield roads leading into the landfill, where litter conditions have been described as “atrocious” and have required more than triple the number of cleanup efforts compared to other locations.

Illegal dumping and unsecured loads continue to contribute to the issue. Violations may result in penalties under the Code of Virginia § 33.2802, and uncovered loads are also illegal and subject to fines. Additionally, county officials have reiterated that failure to comply with Code of Virginia § 10.1-1424 may result in citations, with enforcement expected to increase over the spring season.

To help mitigate the problem, Louisa Clean has been distributing free mesh cargo nets at various landfill and recycling locations. The final scheduled distribution will take place Sunday, April 19, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Holly Grove Refuse Center, located at 25 Copper Line Road in Bumpass.

According to George, education remains a key component in addressing the issue—particularly among younger residents. The group has partnered with Louisa County Public Schools in recent years, and as part of that collaboration, 16 students in the arts program recently designed a coloring book aimed at promoting anti-littering awareness.

While the organization has made measurable progress, leaders say additional volunteers are still needed to meet the scale of the problem.

“I have picked up so many dirty diapers, and I just do not understand it,” Korman said. “There is something wrong with our society, and we do not know what the solution is.”

Members have previously raised questions regarding the Central Virginia Regional Jail trustee program and their ability to provide supervised community service. Cuckoo District Supervisor Christopher McCotter advocated for the utilization of the program in 2025, but there are reportedly not enough inmates that qualify.

To continue addressing litter across the county, Louisa Clean is organizing its annual “The Big Clean” event, scheduled for April 25 and 26. The effort will focus on Route 208, spanning from Tractor Supply to the Interstate 64 interchange.

As with previous events, Louisa Clean will provide volunteers with trash pickers, bags, and safety vests. T-shirts, hats, and gloves will also be available while supplies last. Volunteers are asked to wear long pants and sturdy footwear, preferably boots, for safety.

Participants are invited to meet at Moss-Nuckols Elementary School at 8:30 a.m. on April 25. The meeting location for April 26, also at 8:30 a.m., is still to be determined. Organizers are also encouraging individuals and groups who have adopted highways throughout the county to join the effort.

George emphasized that the initiative is driven entirely by community members.

“This is not our job—we are doing this because we care about Louisa,” George said, noting that cigarette butts and discarded mattresses remain ongoing issues. “Some people think we are out there because we have to be, or that it is forced because the sheriff is with us—but no, we are volunteers. Just like some people like to hunt, picking up trash is a peace of mind. Enjoying time with nature is something that gets me off the couch.”

Following the presentation, Mc-Cotter offered praise and encouragement for the group’s continued efforts.

“Changing the culture in a county like Louisa is a difficult thing to do. It takes determination and courage— because I see you out there, and you’re getting nearly run over sometimes,” McCotter said. “You have changed the culture, and I also pick up trash every day now because of you. There are many lessons you can learn from a Board of Supervisors meeting, and one is that in a community like Louisa, you can make a difference. Bobby, Jody, the Dezorzis, and everyone else—you have made an incredible difference, and you have made me very proud to be Cuckoo. Keep it up.”

For more information on volunteering or supporting the effort, contact info@LouisaClean.org