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Keep McIntosh Beautiful
"Working Together
for a Clean, Green and
Beautiful McIntosh County"
December 2025 Newsletter
| | | | The marshes, rivers, and coastline that define McIntosh County need all of us to thrive. Whether you’re joining a cleanup, recycling at home, or teaching kids to care for our coast — you’re part of the change. | | KMB Board of Directors from left to right: Haze Casey, (front) Mandy Harris, Leighann Adams, (back) Secretary Julie Sowell, (front) Lauryn Gilmer, (back) Executive Director Tracy Sanford, (front) Chairman Lisa Brewer, (back) Vice Chairman Angie Groover, (front) Treasurer Jameshia Wilson, (back) George Bigham, (front) Barbara Hawthorne, Thornell TK King, and Father Mike Gumulauskas. Not pictured: Past President Selso Tello. | | |
NEW! KMB Neighborhood Glass Recycling Project Launches in January
Keep McIntosh Beautiful is excited to announce a simple, grassroots way to recycle glass in our community! Thanks to a $2,500 BRACE Grant from the Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation—funded through the Georgia EPD’s Solid Waste Trust Fund—and with support from the McIntosh County Commission, KMB is launching a local glass recycling project that anyone can take part in.
For FREE, participants will receive a sturdy glass collection tub and waterproof vinyl sticker, along with information on nearby drop-off locations. This project is designed to be flexible—perfect for neighborhoods, HOAs, civic groups, churches, clubs, friend groups, or individual volunteers.
Here’s how it works:
Your group places the tub in an easy-to-access spot—like a neighborhood clubhouse or gathering point. When it’s full, one or two volunteers simply take the glass to the nearest recycling drop-off location. For example, one local HOA keeps a tub at its clubhouse; when it fills up, a couple of residents take turns dropping the glass off in Brunswick. Simple, shared, and sustainable.
We know this isn’t a sweeping fix, but it is a smart, practical start—and a chance for all of us to keep more glass out of the landfill and off our roadsides. Small steps, big impact.
Sign-up and pick-up begin in January!
More details will be announced soon.
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The stats are in!
17.96 TONS RECYCLED
6.7 TONS COLLECTED
Kept out of our waterways, green spaces, and roadsides.
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WOW, MCINTOSH! We celebrated America Recycles Day in a BIG way! KMB’s Annual Community Fall RECYCLING Event
Our community showed up with heart, hustle, and a whole lot of recyclables — and we are SO grateful. Days like this remind us exactly why #WeLoveWhereWeLive. THANK YOU to our year-round Partners, featured proudly on our event banner. Your support fuels this work all year long!
RECYCLING ROUNDUP HIGHLIGHTS
77 vehicles came through, just one fewer than last year — but they brought mountains of recyclables!
Electronics
56 people recycled everything from TVs and printers to phones, vacuums, keyboards, small appliances, cartridges, and bags of batteries. Thank you Sensible Recycling (Jacksonville), a veteran-owned business. Special thanks to President Aaron Enos for always sending two hardworking, friendly team members. We appreciate you!
General Junk & Bulky Items
Thank you Amwaste, especially Operations Manager Buddy Baldwin, for donating a 40-yard dumpster our community packed full of mostly old broken couches, chairs, some mattresses, cracked flower pots, even bags of “treasures” and lots more. 28 people brought items for this dumpster.
A huge thank-you as well to UGA volunteers who helped collect and ferry 30 mattress and box-spring sets from 24 Sapelo Island residents. Again, KUDOS to Amwaste who assisted with their big claw loader—lifesaver! Do you know how much 30 mattress and box spring sets weigh? We do. About 120–180 lbs for EACH set. When they’re wet, like the Sapelo Island ones — they can easily weigh 40–60 lbs more, pushing some sets toward 180–220 lbs or higher.
Scrap Metal
Gratitude to SA Recycling (Brunswick) for providing a 40-yard roll-off for scrap metal — refrigerators, washers, grills, bed frames, fencing, and more. Special shout-out to Chris Fountain for making sure we had the large container and dropping it off at 6am. 29 people brought metal recycling.
24 4-foot fluorescent bulbs were taken and will be taken to Savannah for recycling.
AND handed out 42 Prescription Drug Disposal Pouches!
In 6 hours (7am–1pm), we filled all containers to capacity. We know some folks wished we stayed open later, but as a nonprofit with limited hauls, starting early let us safely serve the biggest number of households possible. When they’re full they’re full And each company went above and beyond donating what they did!
TIRE AMNESTY EVENT — RECORD YEAR! Also at Eulonia Park, in partnership with the McIntosh County Commission and funded by an EPD STAR grant. This County crew is the definition of teamwork — fun, organized, and hardworking.
This year:
64 vehicles (including a fancy side by side)
42 trailers
618 passenger/light-truck tires (18,540 pounds)
91 semi-truck tires (10,920 pounds)
709 TOTAL tires collected — even MORE than last year’s 654! Y’ALL, THAT IS 14.73 TONS RECYCLED INSTEAD OF ENDING UP IN OUR WATERWAYS, GREEN SPACES OR LANDFILL!
Special thanks to:
* Jeffrey and Bill (Lead County Crew) and the full crew of fellas who unloaded and stacked tires all day long
* Commission Chair Kate Karwacki, who stopped by to check on the team, offer support, and rally the community with her “Let’s fill this semi!” message.
THANK YOU, Fox’s Pizza Darien! Haze went to pick them up, brought back two of the largest pizzas we’ve ever seen, right when everyone needed an afternoon boost. Perfect timing and so appreciated!
ALL OUR AMAZING VOLUNTEERS- We are deeply grateful to each person who gave their time, energy, and enthusiasm.
KMB Board Members-
* George Bigham, Board Member
* Haze Casey, Board Member
* Lisa Brewer, Board President
* Mike Brewer, Volunteer (supporting Lisa)
* Barbara Hawthorne, Board Member
* Jameshia Wilson, Board Treasurer
MCA Teachers, Advisors & Students-
* Caitlyn Fletcher, MCA Teacher & Conservation Club Advisor
* Daniel Fletcher, Volunteer (supporting Caitlyn)
* Hailey Lane, MCA Conservation Club Student
* Braelyn Hollis, MCA Conservation Club Student
* Nathan Adams, MCA Student Volunteer
* Gavin Groover, MCA Student Volunteer
UGA Volunteers-
* Assisted with Sapelo Island mattress collection and ferrying
Community Volunteers-
* Rose Ferguson
* Katrina Bangield
* Christy Davenport
* Lori Frease
* Cindy Casher
* Jeff Casher
* Quentin Reed
* Linda White — who had so much fun you’d thought she was “at a carnival”
Sheriff’s Office — Community Partnership Unit! Thank you for sending two deputies to direct traffic, help with parking, keep everything running safely and engaging with so many community people. You truly embodied Sheriff TK King’s vision of being “Accountable, Respectful, and Committed.”
THANK YOU, MCINTOSH! To every partner, volunteer, county employee, deputy, teacher, student, business, and resident who showed up! YOU made America Recycles Day a huge success. Together, we make McIntosh clean, green, beautiful AND stronger
With gratitude,
Tracy Sanford
Executive Director
Keep McIntosh Beautiful
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THANKS FOR THE SHOUTOUT KEEP AMERICA BEAUTIFUL!
"Keep America Beautiful affiliate Keep McIntosh Beautiful showed up BIG for America Recycles Day this year! Their Annual Fall Recycling Event brought the community together in a powerful way! Events like this don’t happen without an entire community behind them. Thank you to every volunteer who showed up, every business that donated equipment and dumpsters, and every partner who supports Keep McIntosh Beautiful all year long. Together, you’re creating a cleaner, greener, more beautiful McIntosh!"
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Georga Water Coalition announces the 2025 “Clean 13” Awards! And McIntosh is right in there!
A heartfelt THANK YOU and CONGRATULATIONS goes out to the Don’t Spray McIntosh group and its dedicated members for their incredible efforts this year. Because of the hard work and constant advocacy, our summer flowers were some of the most vibrant and beautiful we’ve ever seen!
Kudos to Mary Stimmel for her work with the original steering committee via KMB. And our work with the Don’t Spray McIntosh County group continues to this day thanks to Mark Yeager, and will soon be expanding its reach!
The commitment didn’t just brighten our landscapes — it caught statewide attention. The Georgia Water Coalition has officially honored Don’t Spray McIntosh County as part of the 2025 “Clean 13” for outstanding environmental stewardship!
You can view the full Clean 13 report here: gawater.org (2025 report).
Congratulations to everyone involved! The leadership, persistence, and community spirit continue to make McIntosh County a healthier, more beautiful place to live. Let’s keep up the amazing work!
“Citizens Stop Roadside Herbicide Spraying in Coastal Community
• Citizens work with county commission to create a roadside vegetative management plan that does not rely on spraying dangerous herbicides
• Since management plan has been in place, Mcintosh County roadsides have come alive with blooming wildflowers and buzzing pollinators
• Advocates now hope other maintainers of road and powerline right-of-ways will follow suit”
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In The Darien News… Don’t Spray McIntosh County made the front page. Read all about it!
“The 're-wilding' of the county's roadsides is beginning to pay dividends. Local nature observers are reporting increases in populations of sand hill milkweed, a host plant for threatened Monarch butterflies. Meanwhile, rare pitcher plants are thriving as a result of less frequent mowing.
With the success at the local level behind them, advocates hope to convince other maintainers of road and power line right of ways to stop the spray…”
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What an incredible afternoon with our Keep McIntosh Beautiful Board!
November's meeting at Ashantilly Cottages Neighborhood Clubhouse was more than just business — it was a true reminder of the heart behind this organization. We covered an exciting agenda, from upcoming beautification projects and grant updates to community partnerships, recycling programs, and preparations for our annual Oyster Roast, GA Arbor Day and helping with Blessing of the Fleet. This board stays busy, committed, and always looking ahead for the good of McIntosh County.
But the best part? Instead of snacks, we shared a Blessing Table. Each board member brought food items, gift cards, and even goodies from Saturday’s McIntosh County Family Connection/Georgia Coastal Health District’s “Fall Into Wellness” event — diapers, wipes, onesies, and more. Together, we’re making sure a local family’s Thanksgiving is brighter and a little easier. Moments like this are why KMB is so special.
It’s the projects, yes — but even more, it’s the people who show up with full hearts and a spirit of giving. Thank you to our amazing board for your leadership, dedication, and generosity keeping McIntosh beautiful — in every way.
| | Did you know Coastal Electric will recycle your used batteries? Drop off any button cell, AAA, AA, C, D or 9V batteries in the collection tubes in their office lobbies to prevent them from ending up in the landfill! | | |
Holiday season is here, McIntosh — let’s keep it beautiful! When decorating, choose LED lights — they use up to 80% less energy and last longer. Small swap, big savings for your wallet and the planet.
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December is here — a season of giving, gratitude, and greener choices!
As you decorate, wrap gifts, and celebrate, remember: small eco-friendly actions make a big difference.
*Reuse gift bags and boxes
*Choose LED lights and timers for energy savings
*Compost or share leftovers
*Shop local and support sustainable businesses
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Tickets On Sale NOW! https://keepmcintoshbeautiful.com/kmb-events-calendar/ or SCAN below.
Get ready for Keep McIntosh Beautiful’s biggest night of the year — our Annual Oyster Roast & BBQ “Friends & Funds” Raiser!
Saturday, February 7, 2026
Hudson Creek Lodge
$60 Ticket — includes oysters, clams, BBQ dinner, dessert, and open bar (beer & wine)!
What’s Happening:
* Mouthwatering Oysters, Clams & BBQ
* Live Music by MICHAEL HULETT — dance all night!
* Amazing Silent Auction — bid on local treasures!
* WINE/WHISKEY TOSS
* Shrimp Raffle — $2 each or 3 for $5 for three chances to win 25 lbs of sweet, wild GA shrimp from Shell Creek Seafood
Get Your Tickets & Raffle Entries Online! Prefer to buy in person? Call KMB at 912.289.1083. Get your tickets TODAY — this event always sells out!
Our annual “Friends & Funds” Raiser celebrates our amazing partners, shares the impact of KMB’s work, and helps fund the community projects that keep McIntosh County beautiful all year long.
| | Post-holiday cleanup tip: break down boxes before recycling, donate packing materials if you can, and keep food scraps out of your bins—leftovers in recycling can ruin the rest of the batch and attract critters. The little things keep our system running smoothly and McIntosh beautiful! | | Look who’s featured in this month’s Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation’s newsletter The Green Beat! McIntosh always brings the fun—no matter what we’re doing or where we’re doing it! We love our community, and it shows in everything we do... | | |
SAVE THE DATE
Georgia Arbor Day Celebration
Eulonia Park, Saturday, Feb 21
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We’re celebrating Georgia Arbor Day BIG this year and you’re invited!
Keep McIntosh Beautiful is teaming up with Georgia Interfaith Power & Light (GIPL), with American Forests & Trees Atlanta, and of course our wonderful UGA/4-H McIntosh crew to bring some serious tree love to the north end.
Thanks to an amazing grant from GIPL through American Forests (Huge thanks to GIPL’s Beth Remmes and Heather Franklin for including KMB!), we’ll be giving away 100 native 3-gallon trees to our community. These beauties come straight from Trees Atlanta nurseries and are ready to go home with you and grow for generations.
We’ll also be planting trees in areas on the north end of the county where they’re most needed, helping restore shade, habitat, and long-term resilience.
Bring the family out for Crafts & Snacks with UGA/4-H McIntosh, learn about the power of native trees, and be part of something that truly lasts. Do you think your organiozation could add to the fun? We'd love to have you join us. Give KMB a ding 912-289-1083!
“The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago. The second-best time is now.” Let’s make “NOW” count together.
More details coming soon… but go ahead and mark your calendar.
It’s all about the trees!
More about these partner organizations:
Georgia Interfaith Power and Light (GIPL) inspires and equips communities of faith to organize, implement practical climate solutions, and advocate across Georgia on issues of climate change, environmental justice, and community resilience.
American Forests is the oldest conservation nonprofit in the nation, with roots stretching back to 1875. “We strive to create healthy and resilient forests that deliver essential benefits for climate, people, water and wildlife.”
| | Tickets available now! Don’t wait to grab yours for a night of great food, live music, and community under the stars. | |
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.
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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. You are appreciated!
| | Don't be a Grinch! Buy them what that really want for Christmas! | | |
We’re excited to share our upcoming events and activities! From cleanups and recycling drives to beautification projects and community outreach, there’s something for everyone who wants to help keep McIntosh County clean, green, and beautiful.
This is just our basic calendar — expect more exciting additions! Be on the lookout for PopUp PickUps and exciting Beautification projects happening in the County! Be sure to follow us on FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM for the most up-to-date info!
Get involved. Stay connected. Make a difference.
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Vehicle Donation Program helps owners AND Keep McIntosh Beautiful!
The Keep America Beautiful Vehicle Donation Program, through Insurance Auto Auctions’ Donation Division, provides an opportunity for individuals to get rid of unwanted vehicles and donate to Keep McIntosh Beautiful simultaneously.
The new program is tax-deductible to dispose of vehicles in almost any condition, including cars, trucks, boats, tractors, motorcycles, ATVs, snowmobiles, jet skis, RVs, construction, farms, and other heavy equipment. KMB receives a share of the funds from cars donated from McIntosh County.
For ALL the details and to start YOUR donation:
https://careasy.org/nonprofit/keep-america-beautiful
| | Our limited-edition KMB HATS are here! Only $10 and going fast. Show your support in style! Ask any board member or contact Tracy at 912.289.1083 to grab yours before they’re gone! | | |
Let’s shell-ebrate some good news!
The team at Coastal Resources Division has opened two brand-new public oyster shell recycling centers and refreshed a third — all part of the We Recycle Shell initiative!
New shell recycling drop-offs are now open at:
- North River Boat Ramp (Camden County)
- South Newport River Boat Ramp (McIntosh County)
- Plus, the East Montgomery Cross Road site in Savannah just got an upgrade thanks to our friends at CCA Georgia!
So what’s this all about?
When you recycle oyster shells, you’re helping build new oyster reefs that clean the water, protect shorelines, and create homes for fish and crabs. Every shell makes a difference — seriously!
“These new centers make it easier than ever for residents to return their shells and play a role in restoring Georgia’s oyster reefs,” said Cameron Brinton, CRD marine biologist and shell recycling guru.
Drop off your clean, shell-only materials seven days a week.
Learn more or find a location near you: WeRecycleShell.com
or CoastalGaDNR.org/HERU
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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
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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.
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