Keep Loudoun Beautiful
Keep Loudoun Beautiful (KLB) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit environmental organization based in Loudoun County, Virginia, focused on litter prevention, community education, and environmental conservation. Founded in 1972 by concerned citizens, including Agnes Harrison, the group emerged as a grassroots initiative to address increasing litter and illegal dumping in the county. Its early leaders famously collected roadside trash and deposited it in the Loudoun Board of Supervisors’ conference room to advocate for stronger pollution control measures[5].

Mission and Activities

KLB’s mission centers on maintaining a “safe, clean, and healthy environment” through litter removal, educational outreach, waste reduction advocacy, and beautification projects[1][3]. Key efforts include:

• Cleanup initiatives: Organizing volunteer cleanups along roadways, waterways (including Goose Creek and the Potomac River), and public spaces since 1989[1][5].
• Illegal dumping mitigation: Monitoring and reporting violations of county solid waste ordinances[1][5].
• Environmental education: Promoting recycling, pollution prevention, and sustainable practices through workshops and campaigns[1].
• Community engagement: Offering volunteer opportunities for individuals, corporations, and organizations, including area leadership roles and committee participation[2][5].

History and Impact

KLB has operated as a key environmental steward in Loudoun County for over five decades. Its watershed cleanups began in 1989, with Potomac River shoreline efforts starting in 1999[5]. The organization collaborates with local government agencies and community groups to enforce waste management policies and preserve natural landscapes[5].

Structure

As a volunteer-driven organization, KLB relies on hundreds of annual participants for cleanup events and long-term leadership roles[2]. It operates under a board of directors and committee framework, with activities funded through grants, donations, and partnerships[3][5]. KLB’s work emphasizes reducing ecological footprints and fostering environmental responsibility among residents and businesses[1].