Pickens County Beautification Committee members plant native sunflowers by the education building at the Pickens County Recycling Center on Old Liberty Road.

COUNTY — The Pickens County Beautification and Environmental Advisory Committee is dedicated to keeping Pickens County clean and beautiful.

The group of volunteers with financial assistance from a Palmetto Pride “Community Pride” grant has transformed the education building and surrounding areas at the Pickens County Recycling Center on 2053 Old Liberty Road into an eye-catching place.

Local artists have donated their time and talent to help raise awareness for a beautiful, litter-free environment in Pickens County by painting murals of wildflowers, mountains, cascading streams, and wildlife on the outside walls of the education building.

The committee members planted native plants, including a rain garden and sunflower garden, and installed rain barrels, park benches and birdhouses to beautify the area and provide wildlife habitat.

The recycling center also includes drop-off stations for reusable and recyclable items, a bailing center for recyclables, a biodiesel facility (where cooking oil is converted to biodiesel fuel for county vehicles), all which offer opportunities for people to do their part for the environment. Residents can see ways to help the environment and learn about recycling, composting, water conservation, stormwater run-off pollution, wildlife habitat, native plants, litter prevention, and beautification.

Stop by to see and enjoy the beautifully painted murals and environmentally- friendly landscaping at the Beautification and Environmental Education Center that promotes clean air, land and water in Pickens County.