Most people who spend any time on Virginia roads would probably recognize Adopt-A-Highway signs. The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is now working to see that a similar program aimed at reducing litter in Virginia’s creeks, streams and rivers will soon be just as recognizable. The department has developed a new statewide volunteer-based conservation initiative, Adopt-A-Stream.

Del. Harvey Morgan of Gloucester sponsored legislation creating the program during the 1998 General Assembly. Adopt-A-Stream allows organized groups as well as individual citizens to physically improve the state’s waterways. By signing up, participants commit to one cleanup per year for two years, and are rewarded with a sign recognizing their efforts at a particular creek, stream or river.

"This program has real potential. In fact we had groups signing up while it was still under development," said Virginia Secretary of Natural Resources John Paul Woodley Jr. "Keeping Virginia’s rivers, streams and creeks litter-free is a large task but our Adopt-A-Stream program lets everyone -- businesses, civic organizations, schools and other community-based groups help."

The program is simple. Typically, a team of two can cover a mile of lightly littered stream channel in an hour or two. DCR suggests groups adopt at least a one-half mile segment of stream or river.

Groups should keep in mind that the number of volunteers they’ll need depends on the length of stream or river adopted. Many experienced groups have two cleanups, one in late spring or early summer and another in the fall.

DCR received a grant from Virginia’s Litter Control and Recycling Fund Advisory Board to implement Adopt-A-Stream. With this support, DCR can effectively provide training to adopting organizations as well as continue outreach and promoting the concept of reducing litter entering Virginia’s waterways. DCR also provides clean-up supplies and later presents participants an Adopt-A-Stream 25-square-inch metal sign to post.

"Stream cleanup projects are great learning experiences," said DCR Director David G. Brickley. "A Saturday morning spent ridding the water of debris establishes a connection between citizens and their community’s water resources."

Clean water benefits everyone living in the commonwealth and adds to the enjoyment of recreational water users such as fishermen, hunters, swimmers and boaters. It’s not too early to plan a spring cleanup and groups will avoid the rush by contacting DCR ahead of time. Call the department toll-free at 1-877-42-WATER (429-2837) for information and a registration package.