Charlotte Anderson Delivers Final ‘Keep San Angelo Beautiful’ Annual Report

SAN ANGELO, TX — Executive Director Charlotte Anderson presented her final Keep San Angelo Beautiful annual report Tuesday morning, highlighting a record-breaking year of community cleanup efforts, environmental education, and public outreach.

Anderson, who will retire in the coming weeks, reflected on the nonprofit’s impact since her leadership began five years ago. Over the past year alone, the organization hosted 208 events with more than 1,500 volunteers and reached an estimated 50,000 community members. Collectively, volunteers logged 4,721 hours of service, generating a community value of approximately $158,000.

“You took this program, which had been dead and not active for some time, and really turned that around,” Mayor Brenda Gunter said. “It made a big difference in the community.”

Highlights From the 2023–2024 Report:

• Cleanups: 14 community cleanups, including the annual Don’t Mess with Texas Trash-Off, which returns this Saturday.

• Tire Collection: 3,100 tires collected, the largest turnout in five years with 62 participants.

• Hazardous Waste: 90% of materials collected were paint. Of all paints gathered, only 25% were recyclable, prompting ongoing public education.

• Tree Planting: 1,150 trees planted over five years, many distributed to San Angelo ISD campuses and area private schools.

• Youth Engagement: Students received environmental education through read-alongs, art contests, and Earth Day projects such as “Rock the Garden.”

• Innovation in Recycling: Local youth Ella, known for her “Ella Saves the Oceans” initiative, has helped repurpose plastic bags into sleeping mats for the homeless in partnership with volunteers in Mertzon.

• Education Initiatives: Partnerships with Fort Concho and Santa Rita schools supported research projects, while Dr. Albert from UT Austin introduced students and engineers to biodegradable plastics.

• Recognition and Awards: The organization received proclamations from Gov. Greg Abbott and Mayor Gunter and was named a Gold Star Affiliate of Keep Texas Beautiful. It also earned multiple awards for its tire collection program and public outreach.

Keep San Angelo Beautiful also maintained strong partnerships with TxDOT, Republic Services, San Angelo ISD, Angelo State University, and the City’s Parks, Streets and Operations departments. Anderson acknowledged the Apache Corporation’s tree donation program, which the city hopes to continue using to replace trees damaged by winter freezes along Houston Harte and near commercial corridors.

In her closing remarks, Anderson noted the organization is working on long-term reuse solutions for excess paint, including “community cabinets” that could benefit local artists, although liability concerns have delayed implementation.

Anderson also previewed upcoming events, including:

• The dedication of a newly restored fiberglass sheep sculpture at the Chicken Farm Art Center next Thursday.

• Distribution of milkweed plants to students as part of Earth Day education efforts.

Anderson ended her presentation with gratitude: “We’ve planted the seeds and built a great foundation. I know the city will take the ball and run with it.”

You can find more information on Keep San Angelo Beautiful by clicking here.