Adopt A Channel Program Removed Over 50,000 Pounds of Trash Since 2012

OC Public Works’ Adopt A Channel Program has been a shining example of what communities throughout Orange County can do when they work together to protect our environment. Since 2012, diverse groups in the community such as Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, The Ranch at Laguna Beach, and Huntington Beach’s Boy Scout Troop 555, have removed over 50,000 pounds of trash from OC’s flood control channels! 

Unlike the sewer system which does treat water, pollutants entering the storm drain system  can go untreated into OC’s water bodies. That is why taking action to remove pollutants like trash from our channels is crucial to help our waterways thrive. Let’s dive into this remarkable program, its impact, and how you can get involved.

What is the Adopt A Channel Program?

Flood control channels serve a very important purpose protecting life and property. They keep our communities safe by ensuring that stormwater flows efficiently and effectively from land to the ocean. Along with rain, this system also transports dry weather runoff – water runoff generated by daily activities such as irrigation. Unfortunately, as part of this water movement, pollutants and trash are also transported. 

Throughout Orange County there are over 380 miles of flood control channel and keeping this critical infrastructure trash-free is a challenging task. The Adopt A Channel Program empowers businesses, organizations, and community groups to be stewards of flood control channel sections by removing trash and debris along with graffiti from these facilities. No matter the size of your company or group, you can make an impact by adopting a channel. 

This program has two terrific adoption options available: Volunteer and Sponsored. In Volunteer adoptions, the Adopter performs the cleanup tasks themselves and there is no cost beyond cleanup supplies (gloves, trash bags, rollers, etc.). In Sponsored adoptions, the Adopter hires an approved contractor to perform cleanup tasks.  

Since the Program’s inception in 2012, its impact has been incredible:

• Pounds of trash removed: over 50,000
• Miles of channel adopted: 30 miles
• Number of current Adopters: 22
• Number of cleanup events since 2012: over 350

H₂OC, Adopt A Channel, and OC Public Works are incredibly grateful for all of the Program Adopters. Here is a spotlight on a few of these amazing companies and groups!

Current Channel Adopters

This program would not be possible without the wonderful efforts of its Adopters. Their dedication to protecting our communities and waterways is truly admirable, and we’re so grateful for their support. 

1. Sponsored Adopter Spotlight: Disneyland Resort in Anaheim

Photo courtesy of Disneyland Resort in Anaheim

In 2012, Disneyland Resort adopted a stretch of waterway from Ball Road to Palmwood Drive, including the trash boom at the confluence of Anaheim Barber City (ABC) Channel and Bolsa Chica Channel, with the goal of cleaning up the ABC Channel and protecting downstream areas like the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve.  

“For Disneyland Resort, protecting our environment goes beyond our parks and hotels,” said Donna Baker, Director of Environmental Affairs at Disneyland Resort. “We continue to grow with our community, support its sustainment and care for our natural resources together.”  

Their efforts include removing graffiti, neighborhood beautification, and supporting at-risk youth through Orange County Conservation Corps’ (OCCC) employment opportunities as part of their channel adoption. Since 2012, Disneyland Resort has removed over 94,000 square feet of graffiti and collected and disposed of over 16,000 pounds of trash within their two miles of adopted channel.

2. Volunteer Adopter Spotlight: The Ranch at Laguna Beach

Photo courtesy of The Ranch at Laguna Beach

In 2015, The Ranch at Laguna Beach adopted just under a mile of the Aliso Creek Channel. As a luxury resort situated where canyon meets the sea, The Ranch at Laguna Beach knows firsthand how inland actions can impact OC’s creeks, rivers, and ocean.

“Since Aliso Creek runs through our resort property in Laguna Beach, adopting and cleaning this section of the watershed feels like we are doing a pre-emptive beach cleanup,” said Kurt Bjorkman, Chief Operating Officer of The Ranch at Laguna Beach. “It is amazing and a bit sad what kind of and how much debris we find and remove.  We continue to support this important effort for several reasons. First, it is just the right thing to do. Second, it’s a great way for our team to get outdoors and get an incredible sense of accomplishment for their contributions to the environment. Third, it truly does prevent trash and debris from flowing westward toward our section of the creek and out to the Pacific Ocean!”

3. Volunteer Adopter Spotlight: Boy Scout Troop 555

Photo courtesy of Boy Scout Troop 555

In 2021, Huntington Beach Boy Scout Troop 555 Senior Patrol Leader Dakota Kuhlman was inspired to make a positive impact on both the community and the environment. After learning about the Adopt A Channel Program and presenting the idea to his Patrol Leader’s Council, the decision was unanimous – Troop 555 would adopt a channel.

“Continuing to participate in the Adopt A Channel Program is an easy choice for the Troop,” said Dakota Kuhlman, Senior Patrol Leader of Boy Scout Troop 555. “The scouts work alongside each other to improve our community, knowing they are making a tangible difference in protecting our planet.  Their experience with the program has been incredibly fulfilling, and as one scout put it, ‘I am proud to be a part of a troop that values environmental responsibility and community service. The Adopt A Channel Program is not just about picking up trash, it’s about leaving a legacy for future generations.’”

Troop 555 is the first scout troop in California to participate in the Program and they were honored by City of Huntington Beach Mayor Kim Carr on October 30, 2021, as well as received a commendation from the City for their efforts. 

From businesses to community groups and organizations, Adopters of every size are vital pieces to the puzzle of preventing pollution and helping OC flourish through Sponsored and Volunteer channel cleanups. 

Get Involved

Currently, the collective impact of OC businesses, non-profit organizations, and community groups is helping to keep this program going. Both Sponsor and Volunteer adoption options are available to help you make a difference in the ways that work for your business or group. Become an Adopter by adopting a section in your neighborhood or a mile-long stretch of one of OC’s flood control channels. Click here to find out how.

By committing to two annual cleanups and routine inspections, Orange County’s neighborhoods will be cleaner and safer, as will our inland and coastal creeks, rivers, and ocean. If you are unable to commit to becoming an Adopter just yet, you can still make a huge impact by participating in a cleanup event hosted by an Adopter, or by purchasing supplies for them. Email the Adopt A Channel program at info@sponsorachannel.com or call 800-200-0003 ext. 328 to see how you and your team can support the efforts of our existing Adopters.

Thank you for helping OC’s waterways flourish!