Adopt a Stream Program

The City of Kelowna is promoting an “Adopt A Stream” program to give organizations, families, individuals, clubs and community groups the opportunity to assist the City in keeping Kelowna’s streams healthy.

Groups can pledge to help our streams in numerous ways including:

• Picking up litter and debris
• Removing noxious weeds
• Planting trees and shrubs
• Painting yellow fish on storm drains
• In-stream or streambank restoration
• Stream monitoring, including water quality monitoring.

The Adopt a Stream program requires that an organization adopt a portion of a stream for at least two years. The minimum requirements include picking up litter along the stream and removing noxious weeds a minimum of twice a year. Additionally, within the two year adoption period the group will paint the storm drains in the area adjacent to their portion of the adopted stream. Additional activities such as replanting, watering plants and restoration are available depending on the level of involvement desired by the organization.

The Environment Division will provide technical support regarding restoration and enhancement opportunities, and will provide third party liability insurance coverage for registered volunteers under the City of Kelowna Partners in Parks general insurance policy.

Groups or organizations such as Rutland Senior Environmental Science Class, Kelowna Christian School, Okanagan University College’s Freshwater Science Course, Telus and EBA Engineering have already adopted several sections of Mill Creek.

For additional information or to sign up for the program, please contact Michelle Kam, Watershed Coordinator, at 469-8982.