Stream Stewards

Upcoming Events

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, City of Flagstaff Sustainability Office and 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

Note: Stewards must receive permission before conducting any significant stewardship activities. These activities include but are not limited to; tree removal, large debris removal, and changing the morphology of the adopted section.

Remove Trash and Debris

Remove trash and debris in the stream channel and all the way 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 the flow of water. Stewards will place bags of collected materials in appropriate locations.

Remove and Report Invasive Plants

You can learn about Flagstaff’s invasive plants HERE and download the Seek smartphone app to further identify both native and non-native plants. Once you sign up, our Program Coordinator will assist in using these tools and covering 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.
Contacting the Stream Stewards Coordinator for resources concerning best practices and preparing for changes impacting the Rio de Flag.
Using the survey 123 app for reporting community science and stewardship activities.

Visit the survey link HERE

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, 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.