Issue link: https://fredparent.uberflip.com/i/1544270
www.FredericksburgParent.NET 13 Professor Olivia Hoot isn't just a mascot. She's the bright, yellow-vested owl leading a growing movement of young environmental heroes across Fredericksburg and Stafford County. Created by the Rappahannock Regional Solid Waste Management Board (R-Board), the Litter Lifters Program helps kids learn to care for the planet while using fun tools to tackle litter in their communities. Kids across our region are already stepping into the role of "Litter Lifters," grabbing gloves and litter grabbers to help keep their parks, playgrounds and neighborhoods clean. Hope Mikelson, the R-Board's community outreach supervisor, created the program to inspire the next generation, making environmental action engag- ing and easy for kids to get involved. "Litter Lifters is an accessible, user-friendly website and community program designed to engage families, schools and young residents in hands-on envi- ronmental action," Mikelson says. The Story Behind the Idea Mikelson explained that the inspiration for Professor Olivia and the Litter Lifters Program came during the Virginia Recycling Association Conference, an annual event where the environmental community showcases new resources, programs and creative ways to keep the planet clean. Seeing cre- ative outreach ideas sparked her imagination, and soon after, Professor Olivia took flight. Mikelson's goal was simple but powerful: Make environmental steward- ship fun, relatable, and exciting for kids. And it's working. Since launching in October 2025, the program has reached over 22,000 residents and continues to build momentum. Cleaning up is just the start. Kids also learn responsibility, environmental awareness and teamwork along the way. Mikelson has seen firsthand how even small acts of care can ripple outward. "This program is very energizing," she says. "It shows what great efforts can be done and how one person can make a big difference in our communities." Join the Fun Joining the Litter Lifters Program is simple and a great way for families to get involved and make a positive impact on their community. Just visit any par- ticipating Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) branch to check out a Litter Lifter Kit. The kits come with everything needed for a safe and successful cleanup, including: • Reflective vest to stay visible • Durable gloves to protect little hands • Litter grabber for picking up trash without bending or touching it directly • Safety guides and cleanup instructions Families can choose the areas they want to help and track their impact online through their Litter Lifters Passports to earn eco-badges like Recycle Ranger, Compost Champ or the Wise Owl Award. With these kits, kids can find the confidence to safely tackle litter wherever they play, learn and explore. Professor Olivia may be a fictional owl, but the lessons she teaches are real and lasting. By giving kids the tools, knowledge and encouragement to care for their environment, the Litter Lifters Program is helping shape the next generation of responsible stewards of the environment. As Professor Olivia reminds kids, "Small actions, repeated by many, create powerful results." For more information on the Litter Lifters Program, visit r-board.org/olivia. WRITTEN BY SAMANTHA HENRY TRASH TALK: How the New Litter Lifters Program in Stafford Makes Cleanup Cool Again