Keep Laurens County Beautiful Reflects on a Remarkable 2024

The 2024 Annual Report from Keep Laurens County Beautiful (KLCB) showcases an extraordinary year of achievements in litter reduction, recycling, and community beautification. With a mission to engage the public through impactful initiatives, KLCB has truly made strides in fostering a cleaner and greener Laurens County.

Milestones in Beautification and Environmental Education

Thanks to a record number of volunteers, KLCB accomplished several notable projects in 2024, including:

• Storm Drain Murals: Three vibrant murals were completed to raise awareness about stormwater conservation.
• THINK Little Litter Trail: This creative, interactive trail at the Joe R. Adair Outdoor Education Center encourages environmental awareness and proper waste disposal.
• Environmental Sculpture: The unveiling of “Buckley, the Deer” on the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Loop Trail brought sustainability and art together. Created by artist Jim Swaim in partnership with PalmettoPride, the sculpture inspires litter prevention through beautification and creativity.

KLCB Affiliate Coordinator Courtney Stonell reflected on the year, saying, “2024 has been an incredible year for Keep Laurens County Beautiful. These accomplishments highlight the power of collaboration and community engagement in building a cleaner, healthier future for Laurens County.”

By the Numbers

KLCB’s 2024 impact is clear in the following statistics:

• 106,838 pounds of trash reported, with 16,000 pounds collected by volunteers and 90,838 pounds removed by the South Carolina Department of Transportation.
• Over 136 miles cleaned.
• 381 volunteers devoted their time to environmental efforts.
• 1,500 pounds of aluminum recycled by American Legion Post 25.

Community Partnerships and Education

In 2024 KLCB also designed four educational roll-off container wraps in partnership with Laurens County. These wraps promote waste reduction and recycling, doubling as tools for action during community cleanups. Additionally, the No Plastic Bag Day campaign distributed 500 reusable bags, promoting sustainable habits among residents.

Educational programs saw strong participation, with eight schools and 203 student volunteers removing over 615 cubic yards of litter.

Growing Engagement

KLCB’s social media presence saw impressive growth, with a 54.3% increase in reach (totaling 46,000) and a 122.2% rise in visits (totaling 5,100). Peaks in engagement during April and October signal the success of targeted campaigns and community outreach efforts.

Looking Ahead

As KLCB celebrates 2024’s achievements, the organization is focused on maintaining this momentum in 2025. “These projects wouldn’t have been possible without our team, passionate volunteers, and supportive partners. Together, we’re creating a legacy of environmental stewardship,” Stonell added.

Keep Laurens County Beautiful invites everyone to join the movement, ensuring that future generations can enjoy a vibrant and thriving community.