The Mid-Columbia Fisheries (MCF) Adopt-A-Stream (AAS) program is a citizen-based program focused on protecting the health of our local waterways. Within the city of Ellensburg alone, there are more than 12 miles of urban stream and nearly 50 mapped stream crossings. These urban streams are also home to salmon, steelhead, and trout. Keeping these streams litter-free is a task that requires cooperation and participation from governments, industries, businesses, and residents alike. Stream cleanups provide opportunities for local businesses, organizations, churches, schools, and scout groups to work independently or collectively to cleanup our local streams.
In 2022, this program is supported by the Backyard Buffers Grant from the City of Ellensburg and the Mercer Creek Restoration Grant from the Department of Ecology. Contributors include AAS participants, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Yakama Nation Fisheries, and the Washington Conservation Corps.
Why is this program important?
The Adopt a Stream program aims to:
1. Engage the community in improving the condition of local streams
2. Determine the land use and water quality of local streams
3. Remove threats to healthy streams and water quality like trash and pet waste
4. Improve stream health with increased native riparian cover to reduce erosion and runoff into streams
5. Inform the public on the importance of water quality, the effects of far-reaching water pollution, and how native vegetation improves water quality through interpretive signs
6. Provide healthy habitat for native wildlife and fish
7. Creates healthy, natural areas for the community to enjoy and recreate nearby
Stream stewardship projects are valuable learning experiences. For example, a Saturday morning spent collecting litter from a local stream establishes a connection between citizens and the stream that runs through their community. Citizens will see the impacts of their cleanup efforts on the condition of the stream and quality of the water first-hand. Ultimately, we hope such cleanups will encourage and empower citizens to participate in other activities aimed at improving stream health throughout the municipal areas of the Yakima watershed.
How the Adopt-A-Stream Program Works
There is a level of commitment involved with adopting a stream and you will get your hands a little dirty and your feet a little wet, but this is all part of the fun! By adopting a segment of stream, your group is committing to conducting a minimum of two stream clean-ups per year (spring and fall are recommended) with the possibility for other stewardship opportunities such as: riparian buffer plantings, invasive species removal, etc.
Mid-Columbia Fisheries can provide clean up support by supplying tools such as gloves and garbage bags, light refreshments and water, and garbage disposal after the clean up.
Want to adopt a stream? There are reaches of Whiskey, Mercer, and West and East Wilson Creeks that still need to be adopted!
Email our Adopt-A-Stream Corrdinator at [email protected]
Perks
- AAS clean up volunteer hours will be added towards your overall MCF volunteer hours for the rewards tier
- Recognition for your group on MCF’s social media
When your group commits to adopting a portion of stream, a Certificate of Adoption will be issued. After one successful year, an aluminum Adopt-A-Stream sign with your group’s name will be placed in a visible location at or near the adopted stream segment. MCF will be responsible for posting and maintaining the sign as a thank you the volunteer group for their adoption.