The Calcasieu Parish Police Jury’s Pick It Up Calcasieu program has been awarded the Outstanding Community Affiliate Award by Keep Louisiana Beautiful.

Wyvette Pryor-Cousin, the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury’s Assistant Director of Public Health/Litter Manager, recently accepted the award at the Keep Louisiana Beautiful State Conference in Baton Rouge.

The award is one of Keep Louisiana Beautiful's (KLB) 10 Everyday Hero Awards. Each year, the organization recognizes businesses, organizations, and residents who go the extra mile to keep the state’s communities litter-free.

According to Keep Louisiana Beautiful, Pick It Up Calcasieu has transformed how the parish addresses litter through enforcement, education, and community engagement.

“From combating illegal dumping, to organizing 13 cleanups that removed more than 17,500 pounds of litter, to tripling volunteer participation in just two years, their results speak for themselves,” said the organization in a statement. “With creative outreach tools like the ‘TrashFormer,’ a litter-collecting robot designed by students at McNeese State University, and accessible services such as Residential Solid Waste Convenience Centers that serve 5,000 residents monthly, Keep Calcasieu Beautiful (Pick It Up Calcasieu) is changing culture, building pride, and setting a model for the rest of Louisiana.”

“I’m incredibly proud of our staff and the work they’ve done through Pick It Up Calcasieu. This award is a big deal, and it’s a reflection of their dedication, creativity, and the impact they’re making right here in our community,” said Calcasieu Parish Police Jury President Judd Bares.

“It is truly an honor for our team to receive this award. Our shared goal has always been to make a meaningful difference in everything we do,” said Pryor-Cousin. “This recognition is not just for us, but for everyone who partnered with us or supported the efforts that have made Pick It Up Calcasieu a success. It reflects the strength of collaboration and the commitment of our community.”

Learn more about Pick It Up Calcasieu at pickitupcalcasieu.com. For more information about Keep Louisiana Beautiful and the Everyday hero Awards, visit keeplouisianabeautiful.org.