Adopt A Stream

Adopt a Stream Logo  

About

The Adopt-A-Stream Program is sponsored by the Department of Environmental Protection. It was established in 2023 and is housed in the DEP’s REAP Program. The program’s goal is to improve the quality of our environment by encouraging public involvement in the elimination of stream litter. Its objective is to save taxpayers money by increasing public awareness and to serve as an educational tool by focusing on the consequences which result when stream littering is allowed to continue unchecked. The program offers volunteers the opportunity to take charge of their environment by making a positive effort to create a cleaner, more aesthetic place in which to live.

Contact Us

REAP: Adopt A Stream
West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection
601 57th Street SE
Charleston, WV 25304
Phone: (304) 926-0499
Toll Free: (800) 322-5530
Email: depadoptastream@wv.gov

Questions?

Call (800) 322-5530 if you have questions concerning the AAST program or this application.


Get Started

Online Application

If you are already registered with us and would only like to make a new adoption or if your organization is new and would like to adopt more than one section of stream, please call (800) 322-5530 or email us at depadoptastream@wv.gov to do so.

  • Adopt-A-Stream Online Application

    Using the AAST Online Application, you can perform the following activities:

    • View Safety Video
    • Submit an online application to Adopt a Stream

    Note: Please do not use Internet Explorer to submit your Adopt-A-Stream application. Internet Explorer may cause issues with the form and its submittal. Use Edge, Firefox, or Chrome to ensure a successful submission.


Printable Forms

Submit completed forms to:

Adopt A Stream
WVDEP - REAP
601 57th Street SE
Charleston, WV 25304

Completed forms may also be emailed to depadoptastream@wv.gov

Who may Adopt-A-Stream?
Individuals, families, churches, businesses, schools, civic organizations, government agencies, fraternities, and communities.

What streams may be adopted?
Almost any waterway located in the state. Streams deemed unsafe will NOT be approved for adoption.

What does it cost?
REAP disposes of bagged trash and furnishes garbage bags and work gloves. Volunteers provide time and energy.

Adopt-A-Stream

  • Volunteers must be at least 12 years old to participate in this program. Any volunteer under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Adopting groups must clean adopted streams with their own membership and may not subcontract the work.
  • Adopted streams must be at least one continuous mile long.
  • Adoptions are for three years and are renewable.
  • Litter must be picked up at least one (1) time a year. For each cleanup, a report must be submitted (cleanup reporting forms are provided upon approval of Adoption) to depadoptastream@wv.gov or by mail to:

    Adopt A Stream
    WVDEP - REAP
    601 57th St. SE
    Charleston, WV 25304

  • Adopters must notify the Adopt-A-Stream Program one week prior to each cleanup.
  • All volunteers are required to watch the Adopt-A-Stream Safety Video prior to participating in cleanups.
  • Volunteers are encouraged to recycle items found in streams.

Stream Cleanup Safety

Safety instructions for volunteers planning and taking part in an Adopt-A-Stream cleanup event.



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