Master Gardeners and volunteers collect massive amount of roadside litter during Jasper Fall Sweep

JASPER — A group of dedicated volunteers rolled up their sleeves Saturday, November 1, proving that community pride isn’t just a slogan — it’s action.

The Jasper Master Gardeners, who coordinate the Keep Jasper Beautiful program under the statewide Keep Texas Beautiful initiative, partnered with local Master Naturalists for their Fall Sweep cleanup. The group worked several roadways, including Marvin Hancock Drive, Prospect Road, Premier Drive, and a section of Highway 777.

Photos from the event show two extremes — scattered trash and torn garbage bags dumped along the treeline… and then the result: dozens of full trash bags stacked under the Adopt-A-Highway sign.

According to Laura Clark with the Master Gardeners, the goal isn’t just picking up trash — it’s leadership by example.

“Our goal is to set an example and take pride in our community,” Clark said. “Roadside litter isn’t just ugly. It harms wildlife through ingestion and entanglement and pollutes soil and water through toxic chemicals.”

The cleanup is open to anyone who wants to get involved. Volunteers don’t need gardening experience — just community pride and a willingness to show up.

The Master Gardeners host cleanup events throughout the year and encourage residents to participate and take ownership of keeping Jasper beautiful.