The Kansas City Plogtober competition is taking place throughout October, and Johnson County needs your help.

“Plogging” is a Swedish term used to describe picking up litter while running, a way to beautify our community through physical activity. The county is participating in the 2024 metro-wide plogging cleanup, organized by the Mid-America Regional Council.

The cleanup, taking place Oct. 1-31, pits counties throughout the metro against one another to see who can get the highest turnout of ploggers. You can either participate solo or as a group.

Join Johnson County for our group pickup on Saturday, Oct. 19 from 9 a.m. to noon at Ernie Miller Nature Center, 909 North, KS-7, Olathe, KS.

Plogging solo? Grab your gear and pick up litter on your own block any day in October. Then visit kcplogtober.com to log your pickup, earn points for Johnson County and register for prizes, which will be awarded at the end of the month.

The grand prize is a $150 Fleet Feet gift card. Additional prizes include two tickets to the Uptown Theater, two tickets to the National WWI Museum, a one-day pass to ROKC Climbing Gym and a $25 Fleet Feet gift card.

By participating in Plogtober, you can help Johnson County earn the title of Kansas City’s Top Ploggers. The county with the highest volunteer count (each volunteer must travel at least one mile and fill at least one bag) will earn the title.

Plogtober is a great way to get outdoors and get exercise while beautifying the community. Trash on the ground may eventually end up in our creeks, streams and rivers, and can cause pollution and kill wildlife.

Learn more about plogging and the Kansas City Plogtober Cleanup.