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Lenoir Today
By the People, for the People
Wayne County Wildflower Site Earns Top State Recognition in NCDOT 2025 Awards
North Carolina's roadside beautification program celebrates 40 years of vibrant blooms and environmental stewardship.
Apr. 3, 2026 at 1:05am
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Vibrant roadside wildflowers bloom across North Carolina, earning state recognition for their environmental and aesthetic contributions.Lenoir TodayA Wayne County roadside wildflower planting has earned top honors from the North Carolina Department of Transportation, receiving First Place for Best Regional Wildflower Planting in the Eastern Region. The NCDOT Wildflower Program, which began in 1985, has grown into a statewide initiative promoting natural beauty and environmental stewardship along North Carolina highways.
Why it matters
The NCDOT Wildflower Program not only improves travel experiences for motorists, but also contributes to ecological health throughout the state by supporting pollinators like bees and butterflies. The program's 40-year milestone highlights North Carolina's long-standing commitment to roadside beautification and conservation.
The details
Wayne County's winning site along Interstate 42 at mile marker 361 was evaluated on visual appeal, plant health, maintenance, and environmental benefits. In addition, NCDOT's Division 4, which includes Edgecombe, Halifax, Johnston, Nash, Wayne, and Wilson counties, received First Place for Best Overall Division Wildflower Program. Other Eastern Region winners included a second-place finish for a planting at U.S. 70 and N.C. 148 in Lenoir County.
- The NCDOT Wildflower Program began in 1985.
- The 2025 Wildflower Awards were announced this week.
- The spring season is underway, and motorists may begin to notice the award-winning wildflower displays along I-42 in Wayne County.
The players
NCDOT
The North Carolina Department of Transportation, which oversees the Wildflower Program and presents the annual Wildflower Awards.
Jeremy Goodwin
NCDOT's roadside environmental engineer, who praised the efforts of the maintenance crews behind the state's vibrant roadside blooms.
The Garden Club of North Carolina
The sponsor of the Wildflower Awards, which recognize the best roadside flower beds across the state.
What they’re saying
“From planning to planting, these crews pour energy and care into every bloom. After four decades, it's amazing to see how something that started as a small idea has grown into a statewide celebration of nature, community and color.”
— Jeremy Goodwin, NCDOT Roadside Environmental Engineer
What’s next
As the spring season continues, motorists traveling through Wayne County can expect to see the award-winning wildflower displays along Interstate 42, showcasing the state's ongoing commitment to roadside beautification and environmental stewardship.
The takeaway
The NCDOT Wildflower Program's 40-year milestone and the recognition of Wayne County's roadside planting demonstrate North Carolina's long-standing dedication to enhancing the natural beauty and ecological health of its highways. This program not only improves the driving experience for motorists, but also supports vital pollinators and reinforces the state's commitment to sustainability and community-driven initiatives.
