Adopt- A-River

Franke Park Day Camp is the only group in Fort Wayne to adopt a portion of the rivers. Fort Waynes Save Maumee organization says the citys rivers are in need of improvement. 90,000 miles of river stretch across Indiana. Adopt-A-River officials say of the 90,000 miles, only a little over 200 are currently sponsored. Katie Whodgdon, the Volunteer Coordinator for Hoosier River Watch, says “There is a huge need, there are plenty of waterways that need cleaning up.” Here in Fort Wayne, Franke Park Day Camp is in their second year of river adoption. The camps safety coordinator, Elizabeth Fiato, explains why they volunteer. Fiato says “You feel good at the end of the day. When you see the amount of stuff you pull out of the water you really feel like you have done something good for the area.” The campers clean this part of the river 3 or 4 times a year. They say they are amazed by the things they find. Harley Kucinsky, a Camp Counselor, says “weve found a refrigerator, some tires. All different kinds of things people throw in the river.” Andy Grote works for Fort Wayne Outfitters Bike Depot. The company rents out canoes and kayaks. He says if the rivers were cleaner, business would be better. “Weve had over 25,000 people rent boats. They have all enjoyed them, but the one thing they always say is that the river could be cleaner.” Requirements for adopting a river include committing to at least a half mile stretch, and cleaning it up twice a year. The Save Maumee River organization says tires are one of the most common items thrown into the river. For information on how you can get involved in the Adopt-A-River program, copy and past the following link into your internet browser: http://www.in.gov/dnr/ Then go to Division of Fish and Wildlife, find Hoosier River Watch Program, and click on Adopt-A-River Program.