Almost everyone has heard of the successful Adopt-A-Highway program. Roadway signs across the country mark sections that are maintained faithfully by local community organizations and clubs. The program started in Texas in the early 1980s and now has a presence in such faraway places as Japan and New Zealand.
The City of College Station took that popular concept and developed the Adopt-A-Greenway program, which encourages volunteers from area neighborhoods, churches, businesses and other groups to help maintain the city’s greenway system. All that’s required is a two-year commitment to remove trash from a designated greenway at least twice a year. Volunteers will be recognized on the city’s website and on signs along their adopted greenway.
The first major event for the Adopt-A-Greenway Program will be Saturday, April 28 from 9 a.m. to noon at Wolf Pen Creek Park. Volunteers are encouraged to come out and beautify the area through litter pickup and a few landscape projects. Keep Brazos Beautiful will provide all the supplies, but we highly recommend that you preregister. Just remember to wear close-toed shoes and long pants, and bring your work gloves.
Did I mention the free lunch provided by Sonic?
What are Greenways?
Greenways are protected open spaces that follow natural features such as creeks and rivers. Some greenways link neighborhoods and parks through trails, and others are located along utility or road corridors. Most of College Station’s greenways can be found along Wolf Pen Creek, Bee Creek, Lick Creek, Spring Creek, Carters Creek and their tributaries.
Greenways not only help protect wildlife and plant habitats, they also improve air and water quality by relieving traffic congestion and reducing pollution with trails for biking and walking. In addition, greenways help floodplains minimize costly flood damage to developed areas. The environmental benefits are obvious, but greenways also encourage residents to live healthier lifestyles through nature-based recreation and exercise. By protecting and maintaining our greenways, we make College Station a safer, cleaner and healthier place to live.
To learn more about the Adopt-A-Greenway Program or the creek cleanup event at Wolf Pen Creek Park, please visit cstx.gov/adoptagreenway or contact me at 979.764.3674 or vgarza@cstx.gov. I’ll see you at the creek!
What are your thoughts and ideas about this program?
