Dataw Island Adopt-A-Highway Honored with Service Recognition Award

Beaufort, SC -- Dataw Island Adopt-A-Highway volunteers were recognized at the 2018 Annual Meeting of the South Carolina Litter Association for their longstanding contributions to helping keep our part of Beaufort County clean, more welcoming and enjoyable for all.

Presentation of the plaque signifying the award was made by Paul Somerville, county council chairman, to Dataw Island representatives Bill and Carol Carpenter, Neville Patterson, and Ted Bartlett, General Manager.

Although Patterson was one of the representatives present to accept the award, he credits the dedication of their full team with earning the recognition.

“The one hundred plus Dataw volunteers, over the last quarter century, along with the Dataw Landscaping Department, earned this 2017 award," said Patterson. “The 11 teams out on the road every month picking up litter earned the award, and their efforts continue to merit thanks and support from us all.”

The plaque explains that the Dataw volunteers’ efforts represent the best in “The Lower Region” of the state, which includes the 15 coastal and coastal plain counties. It states: “Presented to Dataw Island Volunteers for your outstanding leadership to the cause of litter awareness, enforcement and pick-up programs in South Carolina.”

The Dataw Adopt-A-Highway Program began in 1993. Now in its 25th year, there are currently there are more than 60 resident volunteers who donate about an hour each month to pick up litter on Highway 21. The 11 Dataw teams clean the roadsides of this highway from Airport Road on Ladys Island to east of Folly Road on St. Helena Island. The Dataw Island Landscape Department also cleans Polowana Road. Just ten weeks into the year, the teams have already collected more than 100 bags of trash!

These efforts make a great difference in cleanliness along Sea Island Parkway, and consequently with the enjoyment of residents and visitors to our part of the Lowcountry.

To get involved, please contact one of the Dataw coordinators: Bill Carpenter; Melanie Gentile; or Neville Patterson.

As the team likes to say, “Our program doesn’t pay well, but the benefits are great!”

We congratulate the members, current and past, of the Dataw Island Adopt-A-Highway team for their accomplishment, and thank them for their continued efforts.