WV Make it Shine Program

Image WVMIS logo

The WV Make It Shine Program is a comprehensive program aimed at making WV the cleanest state in the nation. Throughout the state, groups of volunteers, businesses, community organizations and local governments are working to accomplish this goal. It is the responsibility of the WV Make It Shine Program to coordinate the effort of these people to make our state shine. The WV Make It Shine Program is involved in several events each year. The annual events are listed below.


WV Make It Shine Teacher of the Year

In an effort to promote environmental stewardship and education in West Virginia, the WV Department of Environmental Protection is proud to sponsor the Environmental Teacher of the Year Award. Winners will be chosen in the Elementary, Middle, and High School levels.
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Each winner will receive a $500.00 personal award, a $1000 award to be used in promoting STEM programs in their school, and an invitation to the Association of WV Solid Waste Authorities Annual Awards Banquet on October 21, 2019 at Canaan Valley Resort (includes one night lodging) to receive their award. To nominate yourself or another, please submit an application packet.  All entries must be received by September 13, 2019. 

For more information contact Joshua Hamrick, Make It Shine Coordinator, at Joshua.R.Hamrick@wv.gov, or call 1-800-322-5530.

For an application form, click here.


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Lick Creek MIS Cleanup 2010
​WV Make It Shine Statewide Cleanup
The statewide cleanup is held during the first two weeks of April each year. During this time, volunteers can receive assistance in conducting cleanups on public lands. The resources available include gloves, bags, hauling (in conjunction with the DOH), and landfill fees. 

For an application form, contact Joshua Hamrick, WV MIS Statewide Cleanup Coordinator at Joshua.R.Hamrick@wv.gov or 304-926-0499 ext. 1359. You may also click here for the application.

Kirby the Trash Can
WV Make It Shine Earth Day Celebration, April 23, 2019
Each year, the Make It Shine Program sponsors an Earth Day celebration at The Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences of West Virginia, in Charleston. During this event, school children are exposed to various displays regarding environmental protection, resource conservation, and energy efficiency. Many of these displays are "hands on" for the students.

 
If you would like to be an exhibitor for this event, click here.

If you would like to register your class or school, click here.

 

image ORS cleanupOhio River Sweep
The West Virginia Make It Shine Program is happy to be a co-sponsor of the largest cleanup of its kind in the United States. On the third Saturday of every June, communities all along the Ohio River pitch in to clean the river and its banks of litter. For more information on participating in the Ohio River Sweep, call 1-800-322-5530.

image great Kanawha River
Great Kanawha River Cleanup, September 7, 2019

The WV Make It Shine program sponsors the Great Kanawha River Cleanup. Volunteers can participate at sites in all counties bordering the Kanawha River from Gauley Bridge to Pt. Pleasant. For more information about participating in the Great Kanawha River Cleanup, call 1-800-322-5530 or contact Josh Hamrick, Make It Shine Coordinator, at Joshua.R.Hamrick@wv.gov.

Locations to include:
Magic Island, Charleston
Winfield Beach, Winfield 
Kanawha Falls, Glen Ferris
Boat Ramp, South Charleston
Rush Creek, Charleston
*other sites to be added as needed

All locations are scheduled from 9:00-Noon. All volunteers will receive a free t-shirt for participating. This is a great opportunity to earn community service hours or just to show your support for your community. Please call 1-800-322-5530 to register your group. Your registration helps ensure that enough supplies are available at each site.  

 Make It Shine Awards

WV Make It Shine Clean County Award
This award is given to counties in the state who have developed and implemented a comprehensive environmental program. Cash prizes are awarded to top achievers to help fund their continued efforts.


2018 Winners:

  • Berkeley– 1st place - $2000
  • McDowell– 2nd place - $1000



WV Make It Shine Clean Community Award

This award is given to communities who have worked to keep their environment clean and who have participated regularly in REAP programs. Communities designated as Make It Shine Communities will receive two road signs to place in their community.


2018 Recipients:

  • Beech Bottom – Grand Prize -$500
  • New Cumberland
  • Buckhannon
  • Wardensville
  • Ravenswood
  • Hamlin




WV Make It Shine Environmental Teacher of the Year Award
This award is given to educators that have gone above and beyond to promote environmental awareness and stewardship in their classrooms and communities. Each Teacher of the year recieves a $500 personal award and a $1000 award to promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education in their school.

2018 Recipients:

  • Elementary: Amanda Morris, Pleasant Valley Elementary, Calhoun County
  • Intermediate: Penni Harris, Elkins Middle, Randolph County
  • High School: Richard Parsons, Herbert Hoover High, Kanawha County




*Contact Information