One of the ventures that the FCC has attempted to encourage residents to participate in is the "Adopt a stream" or preferably "adopt a riparian zone" programme. This will not only have many benefits for the general public and the landowner next to a stream, but will also be of great ecological value. The end result of the activity is the restoration of a riparian zone including the stream bed and its flood area to its former natural condition.
What does the programme have to offer? Taking a pride in the beautification of the environment should suffice for most people, but the opportunity to control alien weeds, reduce storm damage and the purification of streams and the environment are good enough reasons.
Who can participate? Those that will achieve the greatest satisfaction are home owners, residents in town house complexes, and conservation and school groups, the latter in particular benefiting from the educational value of the exercise. The end result if carried out correctly will be a beautiful, weed-free stretch of stream with attractive trees and flowers which will enhance the aesthetic and financial value of the adjacent property.
Dave and Ena Ryder's stream
Ferndale's stream
