2025 marks 20 years of volunteers wading into Springfield’s streams to make a difference. Since 2005, the City’s Adopt-A-Stream program has empowered community members to protect our local waterways one cleanup at a time. Today, 32 active teams continue this legacy, helping keep Springfield’s streams clean, healthy, and beautiful.
Over the past two decades, these dedicated citizens have removed more than 7,000 bags of trash from local waterways. That number represents more than just litter – it reflects the commitment Springfieldians have to caring for our environment.
“Adopt-A-Stream offers a meaningful way for our community to come together and make a lasting impact,” said Carrie Lamb, Water Quality Compliance Officer for Environmental Services. “It’s all about connecting people to their local environment and inspiring long-term care for the streams that flow through our city.”
From Grassroots to Citywide Impact
Waterway stewardship has long been part of Ozarks culture. Even before the City launched the program, volunteers were already stepping up to clean local streams. Their efforts inspired the official creation of Adopt-A-Stream in 2005, with the Greater Ozarks Audubon Society becoming the first group to participate by adopting a section of South Creek.
“Twenty years ago, we adopted South Creek to protect a little sliver of wild land right in the middle of the city,” said Myra Scroggs of the Greater Ozarks Audubon Society. “We’ve worked to remove invasive species, plant native vegetation, and create habitat for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife. It’s becoming a linear forest with a creek for all to enjoy along the Greenways trail.”
Since that first adoption hundreds of local groups, schools, businesses, churches, neighborhood associations, and scout troops, have joined the movement. Volunteers have hauled out everything from fast food wrappers and tires to furniture, car parts, and countless plastic bags. Their work not only protects wildlife and water quality, but also fosters a strong sense of community and civic pride.
Spotlight: Jordan Creek
One of the most actively maintained waterways is Jordan Creek, a stream with rich history and renewed attention. Through the Renew Jordan Creek project, the City is “daylighting” buried sections of the creek – uncovering its natural flow and creating new opportunities for community engagement.
Groups like Missouri State University’s Engineering Program and the West Central Neighborhood Alliance are already committed to stewarding stream sections adjacent to this major revitalization effort. Their involvement reflects the program’s growing reach and long-term vision for waterway care.
How to Get Involved
There are currently a few sections are currently open – perfect for individuals or groups looking to jump in and make a difference.
Adoption options include:
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One-time cleanups – great for first-timers or groups looking to do a service project.
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Yearlong adoption – involves just three cleanups per year and offers a deeper level of commitment.
Some stream sections are shallow and easy to access, while others are ideal for more adventurous volunteers. Cleanups often extend into nearby parks and trails, where litter tends to collect. Places like Fassnight Park and Doling Park offer great spots to make a visible impact.
Ready to get your feet wet? Visit springfieldmo.gov/Adopt-A-Stream to learn more and sign up.
Prefer to stay dry? Check out the Adopt-A-Street program and help stop litter before it reaches the stream.
Here’s to 20 years of caring for our streams and to the volunteers who’ve made it possible. Thank you all for keeping Springfield’s waterways clean and our community strong.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)
