Adopt-A-Stream 
Calling all volunteers... VaDCR
It's up to each of us to keep Virginia's rivers, streams, lakes, and bays clean and looking beautiful. Here's a chance for local businesses, volunteer groups, watershed associations, churches, schools, environmental clubs, knitting groups, families, sports teams, and scouts to work together or separately to unite against the litter and trash that pollute our local streams.
Adopting a Stream...
Your responsibility towards adopting a stream would be one of extreme reward with little time commitment. A group of volunteers would need to assemble twice a year and do a hike along the tributary to pick up litter and trash, and distribute trash to local dumps and recycling centers.
A calling to be the first...
In the winter of January 2007 FOR Adopt A Stream Program for Stafford County's tributaries to the Rappahannock. This program aims to help reduce litter while promoting citizen stewardship and understanding of the county's precious waterways.
Be one of the first groups to help with this project and trail blaze the way for a cleaner and more beautiful environment.
ADOPT ME!
In 2005, FOR inventoried all of Stafford's Rappahannock tributaries and found the location of trash dump sites. This sites were mapped by stream surveyors using GPS units. In response to the immense amount of trash dump sites along some of the major tributaries in the Stafford County area, FOR and the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation have paired together to promote the new Adopt A Stream Project. The goal of Adopt A Stream Project is to promote a cleaner and safer environment in our local tribuatires by doing yearly hikes in groups to pick up trash and litter along these tributaries in our own backyards.
Our top ten priority streams are:
Alicotti Run, Richland Run, Horsepen Run, Rockypen Run, England Run, Clairborne Run, Falls Run, Little Falls Run, Whiteoak Run, and Muddy Creek
The Effects of Trash...
Trash is of particular concern because is it more than just an unsightly inconvenience. Trash still remains one of the world’s most pervasive pollution problems affecting our waterways.
Some of the long term and more distant effects of trash can wash from streams to the main stem of the Rappahannock, then into the Chesapeake Bay, and out into the Ocean. Thousands of marine animals die each year from becoming entangled in debris or from consuming litter thinking that it is food. Trash can also cause safety concerns and pose human health threats.
How to get Involved...
The FOR is teaming up with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation to provide advice, help, and materials for groups that are adopting a stream.
When deciding which stream you would like to adopt, remember to:
- Consider accessibility, safety, location and necessity when choosing a waterway cleanup site.
- Pick a waterway that is meaningful to you, your group and your community. Have several sites in mind.
- Don't bite off more than you can chew. Make sure your crew can handle the stretch of waterway you want to adopt.
- Be flexible.
- Remember, the segment must be at least one-quarter mile.
- Have fun!
For more information on what materials the VA DCR will provide read more...
For more information on few pieces of paperwork you would have to complete click here....
Click here to download a manual for more information on what it takes to Adopt A Stream
To get in contact with the Friends of the Rappahannock for more information and help please contact us at:
dan.westerhof@riverfriends.org
Rewards....
After two successful completed hikes the VA DCR will reward groups for their achievments and commitment to Adopt A Stream and will provide groups with a personalized plaque that can be posted on your stream or waterway to reflect to your community the incredible work you have done!
