What Is Marshall County PALS

and

How did It Get Here--A Brief History

Marshall County PALS (People Against a Littered State) is a non-profit volunteer citizens organization, dedicated to the eradication of litter from our Marshall County roadsides. This diligent group of Marshall County citizens works tirelessly to educate the public regarding Alabama's anti-litter laws and the effect of litter on the environment, as well as coordinating with the County Commissioners, Sheriff's Department, and other organizations that share our mission to conduct litter pickups throughout the county.

In 1992 a group of Marshall County citizens concerned over the ever-worsening problem of litter accumulations on our roadsides, parks, shorelines, and other public and private properties decided to take action toward a long-term solution.  The effort was spearheaded by Jane Walley, the group's organizer and first president, supported by her late sister, Faye Markham.  It was formed as an official chapter of Alabama PALS (People Against a Littered State), then and still today headquartered in Montgomery.  Alabama PALS is directed by Spencer Ryan as it was then, and has been a constant source of support in various ways to our local chapter and to the many other city and county PALS organizations throughout the state. 

PALS is a member-based civic organization supported by annual membership dues, individual and business donations of money and in-kind services, and local government (cities and county) contributions from their environmental community service budgets.  Office space is provided by the County, located on the ground floor of the Courthouse in Guntersville.  A part-time employee coordinates the various projects and programs sponsored each year by PALS.  The organization's business is directed by elected officers and appointed committee chairpersons, with an elected Board of Directors numbering up to 50, plus several ex-officio members.

PALS' work and areas of concern are structured under the following Standing Committees:

Adopt-A-Mile

Adopt-A-Stream (newly launched in 2007)

Business and Industry

Education

Law Enforcement

Local Government and Legislation

Recycling

All programs of PALS are aimed at raising public awareness of the litter problem, engaging in clean-ups, promoting and enrolling sponsors for the Adopt-a-Mile and Adopt-a-Stream programs, and otherwise enlisting the help of concerned individuals in each community to adopt the goal of a litter-free County and to work toward achieving it. 

Now you know who we are and where we came from.  Please join us if you have not already done so.