ECO has sponsored Adopt-A-Stream for over 10 years. In 2005 our Adopt-A-Stream program continued to add teams, including those from GE, Blue Star Camp, and Kanuga Conference Center, thanks to Frank Blazey, chair of ECO's water quality committee. 

What Is Adopt-A-Stream?

Adopt-A-Stream is similar to the adopt-a-highway program ... volunteers are assigned a portion of a stream to clean up, watch over, and care for. The goal is to remove trash and debris from the stream -- and to increase awareness of and appreciation for our local water resources. You can make a difference by helping to restore or protect a stream's health.

Why Adopt A Stream?

We are fortunate to have abundant water resources in the mountains -- wetlands, streams, rivers, and man-made ponds and lakes ... and ECO believes positive steps must be taken to protect our water. Clean streams in our community is a realistic goal -- this encompasses control of toxic substances, reduction of pollution and erosion, involvement by the public and governments in water protection, and development of a low-cost workable plan. Bodies of clean water are a critical part of the environment and a precious resource for which we are responsible. Locals and visitors alike enjoy fishing, canoeing, and kayaking in our streams; they are used by agriculture and industry; as sources of drinking water; and creeks provide habitat and environmental balance. The quality of water affects all of these uses. Water is a finite resource. What we misuse or abuse, we can never replace.

How Can You Help?

The Adopt-A-Stream program needs people like you, your neighborhood association or civic group, 4-H Club, school group, church class, or your employees to clean up an assigned portion of stream at least twice a year. Not only can this be educational and fun, but your community-minded efforts will improve the health of streams and waterways.

Getting Started

Send in the application form or phone the Environmental and Conservation Organization (ECO) at 828-692-0385 to sign up or ask questions. A member of ECO's Water Quality Committee will be assigned to work with you and your volunteers to get you started.

For details, see the Adopt-A-Stream's Guidelines& Forms (PDF file).