Keep McIntosh Beautiful
"Working Together
for a Clean, Green and
Beautiful McIntosh County"
April 2026 Newsletter
| | | | |
Earth Day 2026 is right around the corner on April 22,
and this year’s theme says it all: “Our Power, Our Planet.”
But what does that really mean for us here in McIntosh County? It means this: the power to protect the place we call home doesn’t belong to one person, one organization, or one level of government - it belongs to all of us. That’s PEOPLE POWER.
And around here… we see it every single day. This year’s Earth Day theme is a call to move beyond good intentions and into action. It’s about recognizing that real, lasting change happens not just through policies or pledges, but through everyday choices—right here in our neighborhoods, schools, businesses, and along our beautiful coast.
| | |
SO MUCH GOING ON! GET INVOLVED!
Join us this Earth Day at the Ida Hilton Public Library as we kick off Phase 1 of our exciting Beautification Project! Discover how we’re partnering with McIntosh County Schools to bring Earth Day into every classroom. Take a look at the latest transformations through our Abandoned Building Program. Deadline for the KMB Scholarship is April 15. See how we teamed up with the Sheriff's Dept in APRIL and will again in MAY! And find out how you can get involved during Blessing of the Fleet weekend!
As we celebrate Earth Day—and what we like to call Earth Month—around here, we know it doesn’t stop in April. It carries into May… and every month that follows. Keep McIntosh Beautiful is continuing efforts to make our community cleaner, greener, and more connected. There’s something for everyone—DETAILS BELOW! FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM FOR THE LATEST UPDATES!
| | Help Us Shine for Blessing of the Fleet! | | |
We need YOU! Keep McIntosh Beautiful is hosting after-hours cleanups to help Darien look its absolute best as we welcome thousands of visitors for one of our most beloved celebrations. We also need day (During Event) volunteers!
Why Volunteer?
* Help put our best foot forward for the community
* Be part of a meaningful, visible impact
* Receive a FREE festival pass for volunteering
* Quick, easy, and fun cleanup shifts after hours
Every little bit helps—just tell us when you’re available!
Friday, April 17
4 PM – 10 PM (during event: light cleanup)
After 10 PM: cleanup crews needed to prep for Saturday
Saturday, April 18
9 AM – 10 PM (daytime support)
After 10 PM: BIG cleanup push for Sunday
Sunday, April 19
12 PM – 5 PM (daytime support)
After 5 PM: final cleanup—let’s make it look like 10,000+ people were never even here in Darien
Sign up for any time slot—whatever works for you!
ALL HANDS ON DECK FOR OUR COMMUNITY!
About the Festival
Presented by the Darien-McIntosh County Chamber of Commerce, the Blessing of the Fleet is a cherished three-day festival honoring Darien’s rich maritime heritage and thriving shrimping industry—a tradition that defines our coastal community.
Let’s Do This—Together
A little teamwork goes a long way. Join us in showing visitors what makes McIntosh County special: pride, care, and community spirit.
| | |
With the full support of McIntosh County Schools, Keep McIntosh Beautiful is thrilled to bring Earth Day directly into every classroom—from Head Start through 12th grade—through our engaging Earth Day Mini Toolkits. Designed for quick, impactful 5-minute lessons, these toolkits make it easy for teachers to spark meaningful conversations about the environment. Each one is packed with fun trivia, hands-on activities, and a student-led litter cleanup challenge that inspires action.
By empowering students to take ownership of their surroundings, we’re helping grow a generation that takes pride in keeping McIntosh County clean, green, and beautiful.
| |
Keep McIntosh Beautiful Library Beautification Project
A Community Vision Brought to Life
Keep McIntosh Beautiful (KMB) is proud to lead the Library Beautification Project—an exciting initiative designed to enhance one of the most valued spaces in our community, the Ida Hilton Public Library.
This project began as a KMB vision presented by Tracy Sanford, KMB Executive Director, at the November 2025 Library Board of Directors meeting, where it received unanimous approval. With no financial contribution requested from the library, the goal is simple yet meaningful: to make the outside of our library reflect the warmth, energy, and purpose found within—a vibrant, welcoming hub where our community gathers, learns, and grows.
What started as an idea quickly turned into something much bigger—built on collaboration, shared excitement, and a deep love for McIntosh County.
🌼 Phase 1: Earth Day Launch
Wednesday, April 22, 2026. Time=TBD
This is where it all begins. Phase 1 focuses on transforming the entrance and exterior spaces at the front and sides of the library into a colorful, inviting environment.
What you’ll see:
- Fresh, vibrant flower beds filled with native plants and seasonal blooms
- Garden benches and picnic tables for gathering, reading, and relaxing
- Interactive QR codes for fun, hands-on learning right on site
🌱 Phase 2: Community Garden & Outdoor Classroom
Saturday, May 16, 2026. Time=TBD
Phase 2 takes the project even further—turning the back exterior of the library into a space where learning truly comes to life.
What’s coming:
- A raised-bed community garden
- An outdoor classroom and gathering space with backless benches
💚 What This Means for McIntosh County
This project goes beyond beautification—it’s about creating opportunities and strengthening connections across our community. The possibilities are endless—and this is something the entire community can be part of.
- Students from next-door Todd Grant Elementary School will experience hands-on, outdoor learning
- The McIntosh Master Gardeners will host “Meet Me in the Garden” sessions
- A shared space will be available for residents of all ages to learn, grow, and connect
🤝 Powered by Partnership
This project is a true team effort—brought to life by the energy, support, and shared commitment of incredible community leaders and organizations who believe in making McIntosh County even more beautiful.
Special thanks to Leila Yoder and the Ida Hilton Public Library staff, MC Halbrook with UGA Extension, Mia Sims with the McIntosh Master Gardeners, Deborah Shepard of Florabundance, First Georgia Hardware, and the Conservation Soil & Water Commission (CSWC).
🌟 KMB Board in Action
With special appreciation for George Bigham, Julie Sowell, Lisa Brewer & Tracy Sanford —whose continued dedication to this project is helping turn big ideas into reality.
🌿 Behind the Scenes
It started with a plan… and quickly grew into something bigger—because the right people stepped in with ideas, energy, and a willingness to make it happen.
🌟 Why This Matters
Our library already serves as:
- A community hub
- A place to learn
- A place to connect
This project simply brings the outside up to match what’s already happening inside—creating a space that feels just as welcoming the moment you arrive.
🙌 Community Engagement: A Call for Volunteers
This is where you come in.
The Library Beautification Project is a hands-on, community-driven effort, and volunteers will play a key role in bringing it to life. Whether you have a green thumb, enjoy building, or just want to be part of something meaningful, there’s a place for you. PEOPLE POWER
🌿 Let’s Do This, McIntosh County
This project is a perfect example of what makes our community special—people coming together, pitching in, and creating something lasting and meaningful. Together, we’re not just improving a space—we’re building pride, connection, and a legacy for future generations. Join us. Be part of it. Let’s make it beautiful—together.
| | |
In The Darien News… Keep McIntosh Beautiful Earns State and National Recognition for Community Impact
“At its core, Keep Mcintosh Beautiful is about people- neighbors working side by side, organizations coming together, and a shared belief that small actions can create lasting change. These awards celebrate not just an organization, but a county that shows up, pitches in, and takes pride in where it lives.”
| | |
McIntosh… just look at these numbers from our
March 14 Spring Recycling Event. WOWSER!
| | We'll be adding more and more activities to our calendar as time marches on! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates! | | |
Our McIntosh County Sheriff's Office shows up for this community in a big way—hosting free lunches, dinners, and gatherings all year long.
And not just a plate… they make sure everyone can eat their fill and take some home. About 2,000 to-gos annually. That’s care. That’s love. That’s McIntosh County
So when Thornell "T.K." King - McIntosh County Sheriff asked about switching from styrofoam to-go containers… we had an honest conversation.
Here’s the reality:
Styrofoam (polystyrene)
• Made from petroleum (a fossil fuel)
• Does NOT biodegrade—it breaks into tiny pieces instead
• Can stick around in our environment for hundreds (even thousands) of years
• Easily blows into ditches, marshes, and waterways
• Harms wildlife that mistake it for food
• Rarely recyclable
Biodegradable, PFAS-free containers
• Made from plant-based materials
• Break down naturally over time
• Don’t leave behind harmful microplastics
• Safer for our environment, waterways, and wildlife
When styrofoam is thrown away, it doesn’t really go anywhere… it just gets smaller and spreads farther. Biodegradable products, on the other hand, return to the earth the way they should.
That’s why Keep McIntosh Beautiful is proud to partner with our Sheriff’s Office—providing this year’s 2,000 eco-friendly to-go containers so folks can enjoy a great meal and take some home without harming the place we all love.
Because around here…
It takes all of us.
And when we each do our part, it shows.
| | |
We’re also looking ahead to May with our “Secure Your Load” campaign in partnership with the McIntosh County Sheriff’s Office. One of the biggest sources of litter isn’t intentional—it’s debris that blows from unsecured trucks and trailers.
That trash doesn’t just disappear; it ends up in our ditches, marshes, and neighborhoods. Through this campaign, we’re raising awareness and offering simple solutions, including free stretchable cargo nets with hooks to help residents secure their loads before hitting the road.
It’s a small step that makes a big difference—and another way everyday actions can help keep McIntosh County clean and beautiful.
| |
Keep McIntosh Beautiful awards a $1000 Scholarship every year! Due date: April 15, 2026.
Scholarship: ● One (1) $1,000 Scholarship to be given to the school of higher learning for the expenses of the winning student. The KMB Scholarship supports students pursuing college, technical or trade school, or any accredited training program — including fields such as aviation, hospitality, and other career pathways. ● Winner to be chosen by a team of at least 3 or 5 members of the KMB Board of Directors Timeline: ● Due to KMB no later than April 15, 2026. Mail application, documentation and cover letter to: Keep McIntosh Beautiful, P.O. Box 2055, Darien, GA 31305 Or EMAIL application, documentation and cover letter to: director@keepmcintoshbeautiful.com 1. INTERESTED APPLICANTS, PLEASE NOTE: Participation in two (2) or more land or water cleanups, community greening, planting projects or other KMB sponsored activities is required.
FULL Details & Application: KMB Scholarship Guidelines – Keep McIntosh Beautiful
| |
ABANDONED BUILDING Removal Assistance PROGRAM
Looking for a way to remove an abandoned building or mobile home from your property? Keep McIntosh Beautiful may be able to help.
| |
Dilapidated and abandoned buildings are eyesores that detract from our community’s appearance and reduce the value of the property where they are located. They can also be unsafe and unhealthy nuisances that are locations for criminal activity.
To address the problem in McIntosh County, KMB offers financial assistance to OWNERS for the demolition and removal of abandoned buildings from THEIR property. We salvage and recycle what can safely be removed.
STRUCTURES MUST BE LOCATED IN MCINTOSH COUNTY, UNOCCUPIED, AND BEYOND REPAIR TO QUALIFY.
Thank you to the many dedicated partners that help with this program, especially Chairman of the ABP Committee GEORGE BIGHAM. You are appreciated!
| | CHECK OUT THE LATEST ABP PROJECTS COMPLETED IN MARCH! BEFORE and AFTER | | |
WOW… what a transformation on Oglethorpe Lane!
What was once an eyesore is now a clean, open, and beautiful space our community can be proud of. These projects don’t just improve how a property looks—they help increase safety, reduce blight, and bring new life back into our neighborhoods.
A huge thank you to the property owners for taking the step to make this change, and to everyone involved in helping make it happen.
| | |
Another transformation in the books! Through Keep McIntosh Beautiful’s Abandoned Building Removal Assistance Program, we were able to help a property owner on Kentucky St remove an old, dilapidated trailer — and what a difference it made!
Neighbors watched the process unfold and were incredibly thankful to see this eyesore gone. Moments like this remind us how much these efforts matter — not just for appearance, but for pride, safety, and community spirit.
Cleaner spaces. Safer neighborhoods. Stronger community
This is what keeping McIntosh beautiful looks like!
| | |
Sometimes it’s the “little things” that make the biggest difference.
Through KMB’s Abandoned Building Program, a homeowner reached out for help removing an old trailer that had been cut in half decades ago and used as a storage shed, really close behind their home.
While their front yard was already beautiful—filled with mature oaks, palms, and vibrant azaleas—the small structure in the back had become an eyesore over time.
And WOW… what a transformation. With the shed removed, the entire property feels cleaner, brighter, and more open. The view right outside their back door at the top of their steps is now something they can truly enjoy—and they couldn’t be happier to see it gone.
This is exactly why we do what we do. One structure. One property. One big impact.
| | |
Look for KMB Board Member Mandy Harrison APRIL 11!
She'll be helping everybody plant flowers!
| | |
A BIG THANKS TO ALL OF OUR ADOPT-A HIGHWAY, PARK OR SPOT VOLUNTEERS THROUGHOUT MCINTOSH COUNTY! Please send me pictures of your pickups. You'll inspire others! There are still plenty of miles and places needing some TLC. Please consider making this a way you help keep our community clean, green and beautiful!
INFO AND APPLICATIONS ONLINE!
OR CALL TRACY 912-289-1083
| | Many thanks to this amazing Blount Crossing AMERICAN LEGION “Adopt-A Highway, Park or Spot” clean-up crew! Steve Elsberry, Wally Schieferdecker, Bene' Lance, David Harrelson, Cindy Schoch (not pictured) and Diane Fordis. You are appreciated! | | |
Want a Cleaner, Greener, More Beautiful McIntosh County? Join Us.
Keep McIntosh Beautiful is on a mission — but we can’t do it alone. We’re seeking Members & Partners who believe in the power of community and care deeply about preserving our land, waterways, and shared spaces.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and proud affiliate of Keep America Beautiful and the Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation, we work every day to make a visible difference — but here’s the truth:
- We receive no funding from these national or state partners.
- We’re one of only a few affiliates in Georgia that receive no local government funding either.
That means your support is vital.
By becoming a member or partner, you’re directly contributing to the programs that are shaping a more vibrant McIntosh County:
*Land & Water Cleanups + Litter Control
*Adopt-A Highway, Park or Spot Program
*Recycling Events + Education
*Community Beautification Projects
*Award-Winning Abandoned Buildings Removal Program
Learn more or donate today at www.KeepMcIntoshBeautiful.com Together, we can Keep McIntosh Beautiful — but it starts with you.
| | |
LIKE and FOLLOW us on FACEBOOK and
INSTAGRAM for Event Updates!
| | | | |
