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Wicomico Clean: Neighbors Taking Action for a Cleaner Community

April 2026

In communities across the world, meaningful change often starts with a few dedicated individuals. Here in Wicomico County, that change is being led by the volunteers of Wicomico Clean – a grassroots group committed to reducing litter and building pride in the place we call home.

Self-described as “volunteers who pick up litter in our county,” Wicomico Clean’s work goes well beyond cleanup. Through awareness, advocacy, and collaboration with local government, the group is tackling both the root causes and the symptoms of litter and illegal dumping while inspiring others to join in.

At the heart of this effort are local residents Mark Engberg and Bruce Robson, both of whom are drawn to the simple but powerful idea that everyone deserves to live in a community they are proud of. For them, that means a litter-free community. What began as a one-time New Year’s Day cleanup by four friends has grown into a county-wide movement.

When asked why they do this work, both Mark and Bruce shared a forward-looking vision. Mark, focused on the human dimension, wants Wicomico County to be a desirable place for people at every stage of life, whether they are building a family or retiring here. Bruce emphasized the importance of children growing up seeing clean roads, rivers, and public spaces, as well as the harm litter causes to the environment and all its inhabitants, human and otherwise. Their leadership reflects a belief that each of us has a role to play in the movement. And the impact speaks for itself!

Since forming in January 2024, Wicomico Clean has hosted more than 50 cleanup events and mobilized over 300 individual volunteers, many repeat supporters. Together, these volunteers have removed an estimated 20 tons of litter from roadsides, parks, and waterways. Jennifer Albero, recycling coordinator for Wicomico County, has been keeping statistics on the impact of these community-led cleanups. She is another champion of litter reduction and effective waste management and has been instrumental in the county’s involvement, from providing bags and pickers to trash removal at the end of events.

But for Mark and Bruce, cleanup is only part of the equation. Long-term solutions, they emphasize, require a shift in both behavior and systems. That includes stronger public awareness, enforcement against illegal dumping, and continued partnership with local leaders.

Wicomico Clean has found strong support from the City of Salisbury in particular. Mayor Randy Taylor participates in monthly meetings with residents working to develop systemic solutions, including the Adopt-a-Road program recently approved by the City Council, where businesses and organizations can formally commit to stewarding a section of road within the city.

Just this weekend, the city partnered with Wicomico Clean to host an Earth Day cleanup event, starting at headquarters downtown. This event brought together dozens of volunteers to clean areas stretching from Salisbury’s City Park to the Riverwalk and beyond. What might have taken weeks for a small group to clean was completed in just a few hours thanks to the power of collective action.

WET salutes the work of Wicomico Clean. Their efforts not only make our community more livable but also protect the animals that call the Wicomico River watershed home.

You can join upcoming cleanups, stay informed, and support their work by following Wicomico Clean on Facebook.