The Minnesota Department of Transportation is looking for volunteers for its Adopt a Highway program, a public service campaign where community groups, churches, businesses and individuals pick up litter along Minnesota highways.

“Several groups are already out making a personal contribution to a cleaner environment, but there are many more miles of highway waiting to be adopted,” said Ernest Lloyd, the Adopt a Highway coordinator.

In the 21 years since its introduction, the program has saved the state millions of dollars. Adopt a Highway volunteers pick up 26,000 tons of litter per year along Minnesota highways, which saves MnDOT an estimated $5 million annually, according to Lloyd.

• Adopt a highway for a minimum of two years.

• Select a segment of highway approximately two miles in length.

• Pick up litter on both sides of a highway.

• Pick up litter as often as needed spring through fall-usually two to three times a year. The spring pickup should be done in April or May before the first grass mowing.

• Notify MnDOT after every pickup.

The number for the Adopt a Highway coordinator in the Rochester district is 507-286-7509. For the Mankato district, it is 507-831-8002.

Freeborn County is in the Rochester district. Faribault County is in Mankato’s.