Adopt-A-Stream

Our mission:
“To protect the water resources of the St. Clair River Watershed through information, advocacy and education.”

Our vision:
“A St. Clair River Watershed with a restored and sustained ecology that offers a healthy environment, strong economy, and high quality of life for current and future generations.”

Adopt-A-Stream is administered by St. Clair County M.S.U. Extension and 4-H Programs to promote cooperative action on water management issues.

Awards: The Michigan Association of Honors Society Exceptional Service Award was presented to the Marine City High School National Honors Society for their participation in the Adopt-A-Stream project during 1999 Make a Difference Day.

Project Description:
This is a "grassroots" program designed to encourage community involvement. Youth interested in taking action to improve our watershed is eligible and encouraged to take part in activities. Youth clubs, schools, churches, neighborhood associations, lake associations, businesses, civic organizations and others can:

Implement streambank clean-ups.
Conduct streambank surveys.
Monitor stream insects and gauge water quality.
Execute streambank enhancement projects to help control erosion and stabilize streambanks.
Learn more about the St. Clair River Watershed.

Getting Started:
To begin Adopt-A-Stream activities in your area:

Organize your youth group of approximately 10 people with adult advisors per half mile of stream and choose one person as your contact person/group leader.
Fill out and return the Adopt-A-Stream Application form or email or call the Adopt-A-Stream 4-H Representative.

A nearby site will be assigned to your group (requests for a particular site may be submitted for consideration).

Group leaders will be trained prior to specified dates for spring water quality testing and fall clean-up. Equipment is issued at time of each training and returned by groups after each testing and clean-up dates.

EnviroScape® hands-on lab is available to schools, churches, organizations, and groups within our county. This portable unit demonstrates point and non-point source pollution, how wetlands work and more. For more information or to reserve, call 810-989-6935 and ask for the 4-H Adopt-A-Stream representative.

Current Partners:

D. E. Q.
St. Clair County Drain Office
St. Clair County M.S.U. Extension
St. Clair County 4-H Programs

Previous Supporters:

M.S.U. Extension & 4-H/Youth Programs of St. Clair County
St. Clair County Drain Commissioner's Office
Aid Association for Lutherans Branch 6492
Keweenaw Environmental Consulting
Wildlife Habitat Council
Michigan 4-H Foundation & Pharmacia & Upjohn Animal Health
Michigan 4-H Youth Program & Michigan Action Team
St. Clair County 4-H Council
Family of Ted & Rose Rattee
Genie Screen Printing

To contribute or for more information, email the Adopt-A-Stream 4-H Representative or call us.

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested three days before the event by calling to make the arrangements, requests received after three days will be met when possible.

St. Clair County 4-H and Youth Fair

Urban Gardens

MSU Extension is
an educational
organization
funded jointly by
the Board of
Commissioners,
the State of
Michigan through
Michigan State
University and
federally through
the US Department
of Agriculture.