Ancient Order of Hibernians volunteers keep Beaufort County roadsides clean, invite neighbors to join

The Adopt-a-Highway volunteer crew from the Ancient Order of Hibernians has been clearing litter and cleaning known dumping sites along a roadside in Beaufort County, a member said during a local interview.

"We told them out and and, they cleaned them all up. They got them all cleaned up now," said Norman Rustad, a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, describing the group's cleanup work. Rustad said volunteers meet in the morning, work a designated stretch of road and often go to breakfast together afterward.

The host framed the work as part of broader efforts to protect local waterways and the county's ecology. Rustad agreed, noting that roadside cleanup helps keep contaminants out of groundwater and surface water. "A lot of what you do is keep contaminants out of that ground water," the host said; Rustad added that volunteers take pride in maintaining the corridor.

Rustad also shared examples of the kinds of items volunteers find and return: a $50 item with a name on it, letters with addresses and personal items lost from a golf cart. "You'd be surprised that that they're kind of trash that you pick up," he said, noting that some finds can be returned to their owners.

On recruiting, Rustad kept the invitation informal: "If you see us on the road there and you wanna help out, we're glad to have you," he said. The group’s recruitment is largely by visibility and word of mouth; the interview did not specify a formal sign-up process or hours requirement.

The conversation covered local lifestyle and weather, with Rustad saying Beaufort County’s mild climate and waterways draw residents and support outdoor activities that volunteers also enjoy.

The host closed the segment by thanking Rustad for his work with Adopt-a-Highway and the Ancient Order of Hibernians. The program did not announce any formal public meeting or upcoming official action related to the cleanup work.