Opportunities From: City of Bloomington Volunteer Network

Help keep our water clean!  Engage in water quality monitoring, including its biological, chemical, and physical parameters.  This is a great opportunity for school groups, neighborhoods, civic organizations, and more.

The mission of Hoosier Riverwatch is:

To involve the citizens of Indiana in becoming active stewards of Indiana's water resources through watershed education, water monitoring, and clean-up activities. Hoosier Riverwatch is a State-sponsored water quality monitoring initiative.

We accomplish this mission through the following goals:

Educate citizens on watersheds and the relationship between land use and water quality. Train citizens on the basic principles of water quality monitoring. Promote opportunities for involvement in water quality issues. Provide water quality information to individuals or groups working to protect water resources. Support volunteer efforts by providing technical assistance, monitoring equipment, networking opportunities and educational materials.

Look at the www.hoosierriverwatch.com website to learn more.

GET STARTED TODAY! For more information or assistance signing up, contact City of Bloomington Utilities, Attn: Kriste Lindberg, Stormwater Education Specialist, stormwater@bloomington.in.gov , or phone (812) 349-3617.

Help keep our water clean!  Place markers on area storm drains that read, "DUMP NO WASTE, DRAINS TO STREAM" to educate the public on stormwater quality.  This is a great opportunity for school groups, neighborhoods, civic organizations and more. 

GET STARTED TODAY! For more information or assistance signing up, contact City of Bloomington Utilities, Attn: Kriste Lindberg, Stormwater Education Specialist, stormwater@bloomington.in.gov , or phone (812) 349-3617.

For more information on the program, itself, visit our webpage:  https://bloomington.in.gov/utilities/stormwater/marking

Needed Now More Than Ever! The City of Bloomington Utilities Department (CBU) invites residents to participate in a family-friendly volunteer program, Adopt-a-Drain.

In this partnership, residents help maintain storm drains to reduce flood risk and increase water quality. 

Volunteers commit to inspecting certain storm drains on a regular basis -- especially before heavy rains and snow melt -- to keep them from becoming clogged with grass clippings, leaves, snow/ice, trash, and other debris. 

Prospective Adopt-a-Drain volunteers may learn more about the program and apply to participate at https://bloomington.in.gov/utilities/stormwater/adopt-a-drain.

With over 12,000 storm drains within City limits, activating resident assistance to clear storm drains will help CBU reduce flood risk and increase water quality.

Volunteers inspect their assigned storm drain(s) at least once per month, clear them when needed, and complete a brief Adopt-a-Drain report (online) on a quarterly basis. 

Volunteers may usually opt to care for a drain or drains in a location convenient to them.  Brief newsletters, including related stormwater tips, will be sent monthly.

To file a concern about a storm drain, residents may complete a uReport at bloomington.in.gov/ureport.

GET STARTED TODAY!

For more information or assistance signing up, contact City of Bloomington Utilities, Attn: Kriste Lindberg, Stormwater Education Specialist, stormwater@bloomington.in.gov , or phone (812) 349-3617.

Help keep our water clean!  Create art that helps to educate the public on stormwater quality.  Great opportunity for school groups, neighborhoods, civic organizations, and more.

Adopt-a-Stream is an all-volunteer program that offers an opportunity to be actively involved in conserving and maintaining the natural beauty of streams that run through public park property owned by the City of Bloomington and Monroe County. City staff provides training and equipment for monthly stream monitoring and annual stream maintenance.

 

Creek through Lower Cascades Park in February 2022 Objectives for the Adopt-a-Stream program are: to ensure the continued enjoyment of streams running through Bloomington city parks, Monroe County parks, and other compatible areas to unite those interested in responsible land management practices through maintenance of streams and public education to promote land stewardship, physical fitness, and community
 

Volunteers who choose to adopt a stream receive training and instruction on proper stream maintenance techniques. All necessary tools and equipment are provided. The only prerequisite to adopt a stream is to have a genuine concern for the well-being of our natural resources.

Garden clubs, Scout troops, youth groups, individuals, special interest clubs, church organizations, families, neighborhood associations, students, school organizations, and private industries are encouraged to get involved. Adopt-a-Stream volunteers must be at least 12 years of age.

Once trained, volunteers are expected to: attend an Adopt-a-Stream orientation (to be held virtually, via Zoom, on Tuesday, March 29) and on-site training in April or early May walk and observe the adopted section of stream at least once a month remove trash from the stream report unusual or suspicious events along the stream submit monthly online reports perform stream maintenance at least once a year with Bloomington Parks and Recreation, City of Bloomington Utilities, or Monroe County Parks and Recreation staff, depending on the location of your adopted section of stream. Stream maintenance may include removing debris, eradicating invasive plants, or installing erosion control structures.
  The Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department, City of Bloomington Utilities Department, and Monroe County Parks and Recreation will: orient individuals and/or groups to the Adopt-a-Stream program provide basic stream maintenance training provide tools and arrange for the use of maintenance equipment

For more information, visit:  https://bloomington.in.gov/parks/parks/adopt-a-stream