Keep Cherokee Beautiful

Our parent organization just released a new litter study. Read on to see the findings.

🎉 BIG NEWS: Our 2026 National Litter Study is here!

After months of research, we’re thrilled to release the most comprehensive data on litter in America—and the findings are incredibly encouraging.

Litter across U.S. roadways and waterways is down 34% since 2020. Every American’s share dropped from 152 pieces to 96. This is proof that when communities work together, real change happens.

But our work is far from done—35 billion pieces of litter remain. The study shows us exactly where we need to focus next, and with America’s 250th birthday approaching, there has never been a better time to finish what we started.

📊 Dive into the data and discover what’s working across the country.

Read the full 2026 National Litter Study now: https://kab.org/litter/litter-study/

Today we highlight the people of the YMCA of Cherokee County. On Friday morning, 14 of their volunteers cleaned their adopted mile with - what looks like - a lot of joy and laughter! 😄

These folks must know something about how to have fun. 🤩 Together they collected 11 bags of litter in two hours.

Here’s what they like about the Adopt-A-Mile program: “Very easy process and the volunteers love the simplicity of the job. They get instant gratification for their work.”

We totally agree. Cleaning roads makes an immediate visual difference.

Thank you, YMCA! 💚 We love that you are a part of KCB.

Most of us will never climb to the top of a rainforest canopy, but Dr. Nalini Nadkarni has built her life there. 🌳

This AAPI Heritage Month, we’re highlighting the scientist known as the “Queen of the Forest Canopy,” whose research opened up an entirely new way of understanding forests: from the treetops down

But she didn’t stop at research. Nalini has brought her work into classrooms, prisons, and public spaces, finding unexpected ways to connect people to nature and make science accessible to everyone.

Because when people feel connected to the natural world, they’re far more likely to protect it. 💚