After two years of work, Newberry County now has a Keep America Beautiful program.

The program is housed under the Newberry Soil and Water Conservation District and is a nonprofit.

The group, headed by Laura Dukes, is working to prevent litter, waste reduction and recycling and is for community beautification.

While efforts like litter pick-up will take place, Dukes will also educate the community on how to reduce waste and increase recycling.

The group will also work with local officials to look at issues such as abandoned houses and work to changes laws to help the community look better.

To get the grant the committee had to drive most of the streets in the county to see how much waste was in the area.

They will use this data to measure success in the future.

Also through partnering with Palmetto Pride there will be Keep Newberry County Beautiful signs placed on the interstate and around the county.

Any one interested in litter pick-ups or to volunteer to help with the committee’s efforts can contact Annette Davis at 276-1978, extension 101.