We Won Silver

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has recognized the Prince William Soil and Water Conservation District’s Adopt-A-Stream program as ranking number 2 (behind Fairfax) for overall amount of trash removed from our rivers for the 2016 spring river clean ups. Our Conservation District was ranked first in the mileage of waterways cleaned, which represents 35% of the total miles covered under the program in Virginia.

This year 759 volunteers cleaned 77.4 miles of stream removing 20,877 pounds of trash in Prince William County during the Occoquan River Cleanup and the 28th Annual Potomac River Watershed Cleanup . The volunteers working with the Conservation District staff, community groups, employers, and schools  throughout the region spend a Saturday collecting trash in and along the rivers. Our in the water volunteers allow us to cover the more than 77 miles of rivers. The biggest day this year was April 16, 2016.  The Potomac River Watershed Cleanup is the largest regional event of its kind. We would like to thank all those who came out to help keep our waters clean.  It is a great single day volunteer opportunity.

The Adopt-A-Stream program is part of Stewardship Virginia which is one of the governor’s initiative. Unfortunately, it is necessary to hold these river cleanups annually. Year after year volunteers clean our streams, rivers, and stream beds of trash that started as litter and carried along by stormwater and wind into our waterways and parks. The trash does not magically disappear, but finds its way into our rivers and streams disrupting the natural water flow and beauty of our natural world.

The Conservation District would like to thank all the residents who have volunteered, or are currently volunteering for the Adopt-A-Stream program in the District, and hope you will join us next year. The Conservation District works with the County to promote Green Communities in Prince William. Come out and help us keep our water ways free of trash. Don’t litter and teach your children not to litter and join the adopt a stream program.