Picking up trash is not always a pleasant activity — so it takes a special kind of dedication to volunteer to clean up other people’s litter.

And that is exactly what the 150,000 members of the state’s Adopt-A-Highway groups do on an annual basis. This year, the N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is recognizing 344 groups for their dedicated service to the Adopt-A-Highway program, including two in Moore County.

The groups represent churches, neighborhoods, families and businesses across the state. Of those being recognized this year, 70 groups have 20 consecutive years of service to the program. Ninety three have 15 consecutive years of service, and 181 have 10 consecutive years of service.

The Pinehurst Resort and Country Club is among those with 15 years of service. The Gallaghers are in the 10-year group.

“These committed volunteers have dedicated years of their time to providing an invaluable service that preserves North Carolina’s natural beauty and saves state taxpayers millions of dollars,” state Transportation Secretary Gene Conti said. “We are sincerely grateful for all they do for our state.”

All groups will receive a special star displaying years of service to be placed on their roadside signs. The five points of the star represent the group's dedication, hard work, cooperation, willingness to serve and commitment to keeping North Carolina roadways litter free.

In addition, the 10-year groups will receive a plaque and the 20-year groups will receive safety vests which feature the star image.

NCDOT has administered the Adopt-A-Highway program since 1988. About 6,000 groups collect more than 3 million pounds of roadside litter annually along 12,000 miles of state roads, an NCDOT news release said.