The Adopt-A-Highway (AAH) Program

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The Caltrans Adopt-A-Highway Program provides an avenue for individuals, organizations, or businesses to help maintain sections of roadside within California's State Highway System. Groups have the option to participate as volunteers or to hire a maintenance service provider to perform the work on their behalf.

The Adopt-A-Highway program, which began in 1989, has been one of the truly successful government-public partnerships of our time. More than 120,000 Californians have cleaned and enhanced over 15,000 shoulder-miles of roadside.

Participation can include one or more of the following activities:

Removing litter (work frequency varies with location).
Planting and establishing trees or wildflowers.
Removing graffiti.
Controlling vegetation.

The Adopt-A-Highway (AAH) Program is solely administered by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). Adoptions usually span a two-mile stretch of roadside, and permits are issued for five-year periods. Groups in good standing may renew their permits indefinitely. Participation is free for all volunteers, and signs are included at no charge. Contractors charge fees for their services (see informational handout link.)

The Adopt-A-Highway Program is not a forum for advertising or public discourse. Please contact your local public works agency if you wish to adopt a county road or a city street that is not maintained by Caltrans.

California Cleanup Day is Thursday, April 12 – Help us keep California clean!
Summary Cleanup Survey (submit your summary cleanup data)