Adopt-A-Road

The Nevada County Adopt-A-Road Volunteer Program is an opportunity for individuals and groups to actively participate in keeping Nevada County roads free of litter.  
The County supports these volunteers by placing recognition signs along the stretch of roads being cleaned, provides equipment, training and trash pickup.  Groups simply commit to four scheduled pickups per year. 
For more information on adopting a road contact the Nevada County Department of Public Works at (530) 265-1411.  Administrative staff will provide you with further details on how to get an application started and if the road of choice is currently available.

Volunteer Program Highlights


What is the Volunteer Program?


It is an opportunity for individuals, groups and organizations to actively participate in keeping Nevada County roads free of litter.  Recognition signs are placed on the roadway identifying the adopting organization and company. 

Why Use Volunteers?


Even though funding for "non-emergency" items is decreasing, the amount of litter in our County increases as our population increases.  This volunteer program is a way to maintain litter-free County roads despite the fluctuations in funding. 

Who Can Volunteer?


  • Individuals
  • Non-political organizations
  • Businesses
  • Combinations of the above
  • Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age

What Do Volunteers Actually Do?


Volunteers adopt a section of County roadway (minimum 1-mile) and pick up litter on that section ast lest four times per year. 

What Are The Rewards?


  • It is fun and educational
  • It is a worthwhile cause
  • It promotes community pride
  • It saves taxpayer dollars
  • It provides recognition for work
  • It cleans up litter

Can Volunteers Select the Road Section They Wish To Adopt?


Public Works Administrative Staff will work with volunteers to match up road sections with volunteer preferences.  If a road section is already adopted or is not on the list of roads approved for adoption volunteers will be asked to select another road section. 

Can Volunteers Adopt More Than One Mile Sections of Roads?


Any volunteer group may adopt up to ten miles of County  roadway.  Renewal privileges are not automatic , however, if other volunteers are on the waiting list. 

How Does the County Help?


The County is very supportive of citizens getting involved in keeping County roadways free of litter.  IN order to demonstrate its support the County provides:
  • Volunteer Safety Gear and training
  • Free trash bags & disposes of collected trash 
  • Issues permits at no charge and installs Recognition Signs*
  • Requires no special insurance to participate. 
*Recognition signs do require a non-refundable $100.00 installation and removal fee.  

Adoptable Road List for Nevada County


Disclaimer:  This list is updated periodically and may not be current.  If there is a road that your group is interested in and it is not currently listed as available you may contact the Public Works Department at: Public.Works@co.nevada.ca.us  or by phone at (530) 265-1411. 

Adoptable Road List - this list is currently being updated and unavailable for posting.  Please contact the Department of Public Works for inquiries.