Adopt-a-River is designed to improve the state of theChilliwack Vedder River, by combining river stewardship and community effort. The idea is inspired by the successful Adopt-a-Highway program that has kept many roadways clean in North America. CVRCC has broken the Chilliwack Vedder River into many small segmentss (1 to 2km long) that can be adopted by the general public. It enables civic clubs, individuals, garden clubs, businesses, churches and other organizations to maintain them. Volunteers perform litter pick-up approximately three times per year. This program helps to reduce the cost of cleanup and allows more freedom for the Chilliwack Public Works crew and FVRD staff to do jobs that can't be done by volunteers .

Ultimately this program will help citizens develop a sense of ownership and pride in their community, and participants will build camaraderie with their fellow volunteers. In recognition of the service being provided to the community, the City of Chilliwack and the FVRD will install a sign on the adopted river segment with the group's name.

Currently there are 25 groups involved in the Adopt-a-River program.

More information

• Current Adopters and map of adopted segments
• Adopt-a-River permit application