Founded by lifelong Northwestern Wisconsin resident Abigail Zehm, Karner Blue Litter Conservancy Inc. is a passionate nonprofit organization dedicated to combating pollution and restoring the natural beauty of our region. We organize volunteer-led litter cleanups along rural roads, waterways, and community spaces, bringing together citizens who share a commitment to environmental stewardship. Our mission is rooted in the understanding that every individual has a responsibility to reduce littering and care for the world around us.

The scale of litter pollution is staggering: the 2020 National Litter Study by Keep America Beautiful found nearly 50 billion pieces of litter on US roadways and waterways—over 2,000 items per mile. This pollution devastates wildlife, with over 100,000 land animals dying annually from ingesting or becoming entangled in litter. Entire species face extinction as their habitats are overwhelmed by pollution. By joining our volunteer cleanups, you directly contribute to protecting the ecological balance, preserving the beauty and diversity of life on Earth, and ensuring a healthier future for Northwestern Wisconsin.