Adopt-a-Spot puts campus cleanups in the hands of University organizations
UNC Charlotte clubs and organizations have done their part to keep campus clean through the Office of Sustainability’s Adopt-a-Spot Program. Currently, 52 organizations have pledged to complete two cleanup events per semester on their designated areas.
In fall 2025, 69 total cleanups collected more than 250 bags of litter — amounting to more than 1,000 pounds. Groups covered 130 acres of main campus not routinely maintained by facilities management. Adopt-a-Spot locations focus on the areas most impacted by littering, which include woodland edges along roadways and parking areas.
Participation in Adopt-a-Spot increased last semester, with 12 new groups joining the program: Math and Science First-Year Learning Community, Global Medical Brigades, Collegiate 100, The Greater Good, J.E.W.E.L.S, Men’s Club Volleyball, Virtue Dance Society, Reproductive Justice Collective, American Society of Civil Engineers, Healthcare Occupation Students of America, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and Beta Alpha Psi – Eta Alpha.
Left to right: Kappa Delta sorority, National Residence Hall Honorary and Levine Scholars
Earth Club leads the program for the most total semesters of participation. For Lydia Knier, Earth Club president, taking part in Adopt-a-Spot is an integral part of the organization and its commitment to making Charlotte a more environmentally friendly campus.
“The most rewarding part of this initiative is being part of a larger, collective effort to keep our campus clean and sustainable, which creates a strong sense of community and shared purpose,” Knier said. “It’s encouraging to see how consistent, small actions can make such a noticeable difference on campus.”
Left: Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority from spring 2009 (the program’s first semester) Right: Lambda Theta Alpha sorority from fall 2025.
The Adopt-a-Spot program has been a collaborative effort since its inception 17 years ago. The Office of Recycling started the initiative, managing it until 2015, when the Office of Sustainability took over. Since 2016, nearly all of the signs and posts that designate adopted spots are installed by the grounds department, and since 2016, nearly all have been funded by the Charlotte Green Initiative.
Student clubs and organizations or faculty and staff groups can adopt a spot on campus by completing this interest form. The Office of Sustainability will match organizations with available locations.
“Other clubs and organizations should get involved because Adopt-a-Spot is a simple, yet impactful way to support sustainability and community pride at Charlotte,” Knier said. “By giving students the opportunity to give back to their campus, clubs can inspire others and help spark meaningful, lasting change.”