With nearly 40% of the land here preserved for conservation, Walton County is well known for its pristine, natural landscapes. Mindfulness of this beauty is even built into how local leaders maintain and promote the destination. Look no further than the county’s motto:
“Pride. Preservation. Conservation.”
In an effort to further protect our natural settings and the communities they surround, the Walton County Tourism Department recently announced the launch of Keep Walton County Beautiful.
KWCB serves as an official affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, the national nonprofit that inspires and educates people to improve their communities. Since 1953, KAB has envisioned a country in which every community is a clean, green and beautiful place to live.
The new KWCB affiliate is a registered nonprofit organization that is funded through the Walton County Tourism Department. It is governed by a Keep Walton County Beautiful board that represents the general population.
Heading up the day-to-day efforts of KWCB will be Ashlyn Temples, a marketing specialist for the Tourism Department.
“This is such a huge opportunity for Walton County, being able to join forces with Keep America Beautiful,” says Matt Algarin, Tourism Director. “Walton County is truly a special place. Through Keep Walton County Beautiful, all of us can help play an essential role in nurturing this stunning destination.”
KWCB’s mission is to engage locals and visitors alike to not just protect these local environments but to enhance them as well. Everyone with an interest in this mission is encouraged to play an active part – from neighborhood associations and church or school groups to businesses, corporations and estates. KWCB will work to create a strong network that empowers us all through county-wide initiatives such as beautification, litter prevention, waste reduction and recycling.
KWCB will lead coordinated efforts such as tree planting campaigns, beach and roadway cleanups, litter prevention campaigns and more. They also plan to create a more sustainable community through initiatives like ongoing education in local schools and green business resources.
Anyone looking to learn more or explore ways of getting involved is encouraged to visit KeepWaltonCountyBeautiful.org or call the Visitor Information Center at (800) 822-6877. Sign up for the KWCB e-newsletter to receive information about events, future cleanups and resources. You can also follow KWCB on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter/X (@KeepWCBeautiful) for timely updates.
As the old saying goes, it takes a village. Over the years, it has taken an incredible amount of work to keep Walton County’s natural beauty thriving. And now these cumulative, ongoing efforts will allow us all to protect our resources so that everyone can enjoy them for generations to come.