Keep Charlotte Beautiful Celebrates 50 Years

Published on April 03, 2024

Volunteers at the Keep Charlotte Beautiful cleanup event.

50 years ago, in 1974, Post-it notes and Rubik's cubes were invented, a gallon of milk cost $1.57, the show "Happy Days" premiered, and the Miami Dolphins were the Super Bowl champs. In addition, the Clean City Committee, now known as Keep Charlotte Beautiful (KCB), was established in Charlotte.

Keep Charlotte Beautiful (KCB) is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. KCB has been a pioneer in environmental stewardship and community beautification. As one of the nation's first Keep America Beautiful affiliates, KCB has motivated and educated Charlotte residents to take daily actions to enhance and beautify their community environment.

Throughout the past five decades, KCB has collaborated with neighborhood organizations, homeowner groups, businesses, schools, and government departments to create a healthier environment for all. Through its various programs and initiatives, KCB has improved the quality of life for Charlotte residents by providing opportunities to maintain and enhance the city's cleanliness and beauty.

Over the years, KCB has expanded its impact through numerous partnerships, introduced innovative programs such as the adopt-a-street and adopt-a-stop programs, organized cleanups like Pick-Up with Pups and Clean the Queen, and made significant environmental contributions to Charlotte, such as helping the city become a certified Bee City in 2023. It has also involved countless volunteers in litter cleanups and beautification projects, making a tangible impact on Charlotte's cleanliness and aesthetics.

Spring Volunteer Opportunities:

As spring approaches, KCB prepares for volunteer events to beautify our communities. From the KCB Litter Study to pollinator plantings, residents have numerous opportunities to get involved and make a positive impact. Volunteers can take part in the following events:

Lowe's Pollinator Plantings 

  • Date: April 1-5
  • Location: Druid Hills Academy, West Charlotte High School, Hidden Valley Elementary, Esperanza Global Academy, Reid Park Academy
  • Link to Register

Earthshare Cleanup

(In partnership with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services and Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation)

  • Date: Thursday, April 11th, 1- 3:30 p.m.
  • Location: Camp Greene Park, 1221 Alleghany Street, Charlotte, NC 28208
  • Streets to be cleaned: Alleghany and Freedom Drive
  • Link to register 

Workday at Belmont Pollinator Garden

  • Date: Friday, April 12, 9 a.m. to noon
  • Location: 700 Parkwood Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28205
  • Activity: Pulling weeds and expanding pollinator garden at Davidson and Parkwood
  • Link to register

Clean the Queen

  • Date: April 15 - 19
  • Location: Areas throughout Charlotte
  • Activity: Cleaning up streets throughout Charlotte!
  • Link to register

Clean Streets Cleanup

(In partnership with Corridors of Opportunity) 

  • Date: Saturday, April 27, 9 - 11 a.m.
  • Location: Sugaw Creek Recreation Center, 941 W Sugar Creek Rd, Charlotte, NC 28213
  • Streets to be cleaned: West Sugar Creek Road between I-85 and N. Tryon
  • Lunch is provided
  • Link to register

Can’t attend one of these events? Get involved with KCB programs! Residents can report their own neighborhood cleanups, adopt a city street, borrow cleanup supplies, apply for beautification grant, and more. Check out KCB online and follow along on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, to stay updated on upcoming cleanups and events.

 

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