ELLERBE – On Sunday, April 19, 2026, members of the General Henry William Harrington Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) gathered at The Berry Patch in Ellerbe, NC, to launch a coordinated roadside cleanup in honor of Earth Day, celebrated annually on April 22.
Working together, the Daughters collected 21 bags of miscellaneous garbage, along with a car bumper, several hubcaps, and other discarded debris along the Exit 25 on- and off-ramps and the stretch of U.S. Highway 220, including the bridge area.
This cleanup effort was organized under the leadership of Jan Stivers, the Chapter’s Conservation Committee Chair, whose planning and coordination made the project both meaningful and impactful.
A community’s first impression
Chapter Regent Melissa Wall emphasized the importance of maintaining clean and welcoming roadways, especially at major entry points into the county.
“An off-ramp that leads into a community is a visitors’ first impression of that community. We want visitors to see a community that is proud to call Richmond County home,” said Regent Melissa Wall.
Why litter cleanup matters
Litter is more than an eyesore—it has real environmental and economic consequences. National studies show:
· Nearly 50 billion pieces of litter accumulate along U.S. roadways and waterways each year.
· Roadside litter cleanup costs American taxpayers over $11 billion annually.
· Plastic and metal debris can take decades or even centuries to break down, harming wildlife and polluting soil and waterways.
· Communities with visible litter often experience reduced tourism, lower property values, and increased safety hazards.
By removing 21 bags of trash and large debris, the DAR chapter helped reduce pollution, protect wildlife, and improve the appearance of a major gateway into Richmond County.
Earth Day: A global call to action
Earth Day, first celebrated in 1970, is now recognized worldwide as a day dedicated to environmental protection, conservation, and community action. Each year, millions of people participate in activities such as:
· Roadside and park cleanups
· Recycling drives
· Tree planting
· Environmental education programs
· Reducing plastic use and conserving energy
Earth Day serves as a reminder that small, local actions—like the work completed by the General Henry William Harrington Chapter—contribute to a healthier planet.
How residents can get involved
Residents of Richmond County can support environmental stewardship by:
· Participating in local cleanup events
· Properly securing trash in vehicles to prevent roadside litter
· Recycling whenever possible
· Reducing single-use plastics
· Reporting illegal dumping
· Teaching children the importance of caring for the environment
Even simple actions, repeated consistently, help build a cleaner, safer, and more beautiful community.
A successful day of service
The General Henry William Harrington Chapter, NSDAR, extends a special thank-you to Jan Stivers, Conservation Committee Chair, for organizing this impactful Earth Day project. The chapter also thanks the volunteers who dedicated their time to improving the appearance and environmental health of Richmond County.
Through service, stewardship, and community pride, the Daughters continue to honor the DAR mission—and help keep Richmond County a place its residents are proud to call home.