City Stream Steward Program
The Adopt-the-Rio de Flag Stewardship Program is a partnership between the Friends of the Rio de Flag and the City of Flagstaff Community Stewards Program. This program allow individuals like you to adopt a nearby sections of the Rio de Flag Watershed. It combines learning opportunities through citizen science and stewardship to build awareness and stimulate the involvement of youth within the Flagstaff community.
WHAT IS STEWARDSHIP?
Stewardship is the act of taking responsibility over an area’s protection and restoration. It includes trash cleanup, habitat restoration (varies), and invasive weed management.
Note: Stewards must receive permission before conducting any significant stewardship activities. These activities can include but are not limited to; tree removal, large debris removal, and changing the morphology of the adopted section.
WHO CAN ADOPT?
Flagstaff community members, schools, and organizations. Participants under 18 years of age must have an adult supervisor signup and be involved in their section of the Rio de Flag.
WHAT ARE THE PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS?
2 year commitment to adopted Rio section
Perform a minimum of three cleanups or invasive species removal events each year
Commit to contacting the Stream Stewards Coordinator for resources concerning the best practices and preparing for changes impacting the Rio de Flag
Commit to reporting community science and stewardship activities using the following link: Volunteer Flagstaff Reporting
Community science is a method for gathering relevant, scientific data in which community members engage in data collection to inform land managers and researchers alike about a topic (in this case, the watershed). Community science projects might include (but are not limited to) the following:
Wildlife observation, vegetation mapping and monitoring, mapping wet/dry areas, Stream Team watershed assessment, invasive species removal sites, and riparian plant restoration areas
HOW TO SIGN UP TO ADOPT A SECTION OF THE RIO?
To adopt a section of the Rio de Flag, first visit the map of available sections for adoption. Blue stretches of the Rio are available for adoption, the red stretches have been adopted. Once you are ready to adopt, go to our sign up page to register for your section of the Rio.
Volunteer Flagstaff: Volunteer Applications
*Your adopted section of the Rio may take 1-3 days to show on the map after registering
If you are interested in participating in an individual cleanup of the Rio de Flag,
email: Blake.Commisso@flagstaffaz.gov
Stream Stewards
Upcoming Events
If you would like to join any upcoming events, please visit the Volunteer Flagstaff Calendar.
Volunteer to be a Steward of the Rio
The Rio de Flag and its tributaries connect our neighborhoods, support rare plants and unique habitats, promote wildlife movement, and are enjoyed by people living nearby. The Stream Stewards Program is a partnership between the Friends of the Rio de Flag, the City of Flagstaff Sustainability Office, and the City of Flagstaff Water Services. This program gives the Flagstaff community a chance to adopt nearby sections of the Rio de Flag Watershed.
Responsibilities as a Stream Steward
Remove Trash and Debris
Remove trash and debris in the stream channel and up the side slopes (stopping at adjacent private land). Debris can include woody items (sticks, branches, logs), plants growing in stream bottoms, or other items that might impede water flow. Stewards will place bags of collected materials in appropriate locations.
Remove and Report Invasive Plants
You can learn about Flagstaff’s invasive plants online and download the Seek smartphone app to identify both native and non-native plants further. Once you sign up, our program coordinator will assist you in using these tools and cover information on the best practices for invasive plant species removal.
Participate in Community Science
Community science is a method for gathering relevant scientific data. Community science projects can include:
Wildlife observation
Vegetation mapping and monitoring
Mapping wet/dry areas
Stream Team watershed assessment
Observing invasive plant species removal sites
Who Can Adopt
Flagstaff community members, schools, and organizations. Participants under 18 years of age must have an adult supervisor signup and be involved in their section of the Rio de Flag.
Requirements for Adoption
2-year commitment.
Perform a minimum of 3 cleanups or invasive species removal events each year.
Participate in an orientation of the adopted stream section.
Contact the Community Stewards Coordinator for resources concerning best practices and preparing for changes impacting the Rio de Flag.
Sign Up
To adopt a section of the Rio de Flag, first, visit the map of available sections for adoption. Blue stretches of the Rio are available for adoption, and the purple stretches have been adopted. Once you are ready to adopt, go to our sign-up page to register for your section of the Rio.
Visit the Community Stewards Adopt-A-Programs
Your adopted section of the Rio may take 1-3 business days to show on the map after registering.
