Adopt-a-Stream | Greensboro, NC

Greensboro, NC

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Adopt-a-Stream

Adopt-a-Stream (full adoption)

The Adopt-a-Stream program is a volunteer opportunity managed by the Water Resources Department. This program is offered to groups and individuals to promote environmental stewardship.

Groups adopt a stream within city limits and pick up litter around it twice a year to reduce water pollution. The time commitment for this program is a minimum of two years. Gloves, grabbers, and bags are provided.

The City will place a sign bearing your group's name along the road by your adopted stream section. Group members will also receive a car magnet for participation.

A huge thank you to all of our past, current, and future Adopt-A-Stream partners!

Clean-a-Creek (one-time cleanup)

Not ready to adopt a stream? Don't worry. You or your group can still make a positive impact by cleaning a creek within city limits without the commitment to adopt. If you are interested in scheduling a one-time cleanup, please fill out this event form.

To stay updated on future events, fill out this request form, follow @GSOGoesGreen on Facebook, Instagram, and X, or visit the City's calendar to see upcoming community cleanups.

For your convenience all forms are available on this webpage.

If you are interested in other Adopt-a programs, visit Greensboro's Parks and Recreation Volunteer Opportunities webpage.

Why should I Adopt-a-Stream?

Who can Adopt-a-Stream?

How to Adopt-a-Stream

If you are interested in adopting a stream in the city of Greensboro, follow these steps:

Organize your group. All participants must be 10 years old and up.
Click on the Interactive Map and zoom in to select a stream of interest within the city limits (dark blue streams are adoptable and orange streams are already adopted). Choose the nearest intersection or street name to identify the area.
Visit the stream to confirm the location is accessible for your group (not too deep, easy to access).
Complete and submit the volunteer application.
The Adopt-a-Stream team will check on the stream's availability and contact you once it is assigned.

Contact Information

WaterVolunteers@greensboro-nc.gov
336-373-2055
2602 S. Elm-Eugene St.
Greensboro, NC 27406

Before, During and After Stream Clean-up

Before Clean Up

Complete the online event notification form at least two weeks before your event.
Review the safety guidelines with your group.
Have all participants sign the waiver liability form.

During Clean Up

Use the gloves/grabbers and designated bags provided to pick up visible litter.
Stay with your group.
Be aware of your surroundings.
Review the Litter Cleanup Recycling Guide.

After Clean Up

Leave bags of collected trash and bulk items at the designated pick up site identified in the event notification form.
Complete the online clean-up reporting form within 48 hours of the cleanup.

Stream-Watch-Icon

Interested in taking your Adopt-a-Stream participation to another level? Check out the NC Stream Watch program. The program includes badges, prizes, educational materials, and more. If interested, email Danica Heflin. This program is facilitated through the City's partnership with Stormwater SMART.