Date:  Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Contact: Abbi Russell, WSDOT Communications, 360-905-2058 (Vancouver)

VANCOUVER – Even if the weather isn’t sunny this weekend, Interstate 5 drivers headed north from Oregon will still get a bright greeting thanks to local volunteers planting the “Welcome to Washington” sign near Fourth Plain Boulevard.

On Saturday, May 14, volunteers working with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) will plant thousands of flowers and herbs in the shape of a state icon: a shiny red apple.

WSDOT purchased all of the plants from the Washington State University Master Gardeners program, which in turn will donate proceeds to Vancouver-area charitable groups.

The “Welcome to Washington” sign has greeted drivers on northbound I-5 for decades. Due to budget cuts in 2008, WSDOT was unable to continue planting the sign. Volunteers adopted the sign in 2009 through WSDOT’s Adopt-a-Highway program.

Nearly 1,400 groups volunteer through the Adopt-a-Highway program statewide. WSDOT provides training, safety gear, litter bags and bag pickup. All it takes is a few hours each year and a commitment to helping Washington stay beautiful.

Interested groups or individuals can contact local program coordinator Bill VanAntwerp for more information.

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