ADOPT-A-RIVER

Make A Difference, Big and Small!

This river adoption only requires your attention for a few hours twice a year but makes a world of difference in supporting clean water, river restoration, and community revitalization. 

Through the Adopt-A-River Program, volunteers have committed to cleaning 84 of the 875 river miles (9.6%) for the Milwaukee, Menomonee, and Kinnickinnic Rivers. In 2024, more than 3,496 volunteers picked up more than 51,989 pounds of trash.  Adopters reported plastic bags, plastic food wrappers, and cigarette butts as among the most frequently found items. Community groups are needed to adopt and clean portions of the rivers that remain on the adoption list.

To learn more about the Adopt-A-River program and view the open adoption areas.

The Adopt-A-River Program is supported by the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District.

Community partners include the Rotary Club of Amigos de Milwaukee, Sierra Club, Friends of Kletzsch Park, and the Friends of Lincoln Park.