The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) and The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science (MMNS) received the National Keep America Beautiful State Agency Partnership Recognition Award during the 2026 Keep America Beautiful® Summit in New Orleans, Louisiana. The award ceremony was attended by Louisiana Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, Keep America Beautiful CEO Jennifer Lawson, and Greatest American Cleanup Co-Chair Lucinda Robb, whose grandmother, Lady Bird Johnson, continues to inspire the organization’s mission and work.
The award honors affiliates that develop and lead groundbreaking, creative solutions to environmental challenges in their communities. MDWFP and MMNS were recognized for their outstanding collaboration to drive meaningful community impact.
Mississippi State Parks and MMNS placed “Keep Mississippi State Parks Clean and Beautiful” signs throughout park properties. We also regularly partner with AmeriCorps and Keep Jackson Beautiful to host volunteer workdays that support park cleanup and beautification efforts. When available, flower bulbs are planted across park grounds to enhance the landscape. Together, these efforts contributed to winning the award.
“This recognition highlights our agency as a whole and the dedication of our staff who work to support community engagement and our beautiful Mississippi landscape,” said Lynn Posey, MDWFP Executive Director. “Their commitment makes initiatives like this possible and helps ensure Mississippi’s natural resources can be enjoyed by generations to come.”
Jennifer Lawson, President and CEO of Keep America Beautiful, pointed to the affiliate network as the driving force behind the organization's success.
"Our mission only works because of the heart and hard work our affiliates pour into their hometowns every single day," said Lawson. "As we all prepare for our nation’s 250th anniversary, these local leaders are proving that when we work together, we build real community pride and a much more beautiful country"
