About
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.
Contact Us
West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection
REAP - Make It Shine Program
601 57th Street SE
Charleston, WV 25304
Phone: (304) 926-0499
Fax: (304) 926-0446
Email: depwvMIS@wv.gov
Contact REAP
Make It Shine Projects
The WV Make It Shine Program is involved in several events each year. The annual events are listed below.
WV Make It Shine Statewide Cleanup
Lick Creek Make It Shine Cleanup 2010
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.
We encourage all participants to visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, as well as the
West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources website for guidelines on protecting yourself from COVID-19.
2021 Spring Cleanup
Applications for the 2021 Spring Cleanup (May 1 through May 15) are now available. Applications are due April 2, 2021.
WV Make It Shine Earth Day Celebration
Kirby the Trash Can at Earth Day Celebration
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.
Note to Exhibitors: The event time is scheduled for 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Initial information incorrectly indicated a start time of 10:00 am.
If you would like to be an exhibitor for this event, please fill out an exhibitor registration form.
Ohio River Sweep
Ohio River Sweep Cleanup
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.
Historically, on the third Saturday of every June, this year communities 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.
Great Kanawha River Cleanup
Great Kanawha River Cleanup
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 Chris Cartwright at depwvMIS@wv.gov.
Locations to Include
*Sites to be added
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.
Please check back soon for a 2021 application.
2020 Winners
- Berkeley County – 1st place - $2,000
- Greenbrier – 2nd place - $1,000
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.
Please check back soon for a 2021 application.
2020 Recipients
- City of Vienna, Wood County – Grand Prize - $1,000
- Hinton, Summers County
WV Make It Shine Teacher of the Year Award
About
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.
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 receives a $500 personal award and a $1000 award to promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Math
(STEM) education in their school. To nominate yourself or another, please submit an application packet.
2020 Recipients
- Elementary: Tonya Harper, Malden Elementary in Kanawha County
- Intermediate: Suha Beck, Westwood Middle School in Monongalia County
- High School: Gretchen Cremann, Moorefield High School in Hardy County