Adopt-A-Stream Volunteer Program

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Boy scouts use a canoe to haul debris out of Crabtree Creek.

 

Exploris Middle School students team together on their adopted stream.

 

Trash and debris gathered together after a volunteer group's stream clean-up.

 

Adopt-A-Stream signs are posted to recognize volunteer groups.

 

The Stormwater Utility's Adopt-A-Stream Program is always looking for new volunteer groups to walk, clean, and protect streams in Raleigh.

Volunteer groups enjoy walking their streams at least twice a year, typically once in the spring and once in the fall. During these stream walks, if groups observe any signs of pollution, they are encouraged to report them immediately.

In addition to the stream walks, groups organize at least one stream clean-up each year.

Stream clean-ups involve physically removing trash and debris from the stream to a nearby location for collection and disposal by the City. The City recommends groups to organize their clean-up to coincide with North Carolina's "Big Sweep" in early October.

Trash bags, safety vests, and latex gloves are provided for Adopt-A-Stream volunteers. Signs are also erected to recognize volunteer groups that adopt at least one mile of stream within the City limits.

When volunteer groups perform their stream walks and clean-ups, each group is asked to complete and submit a Field Data Sheet and notify the City of any pollution sources found. The City will investigate reported pollution problems to ensure they are eliminated.

Once a segment of the stream reach is adopted, the City asks adopting groups to get permission from all neighboring property owners for stream walks and clean-ups before entering private property. Educational door hangers describing the Adopt-A-Stream Program and its benefits to the environment are available from the City to help notify property owners of the volunteer group's upcoming stream walks and stream clean-ups.