Adopt-a-Programs
The Adopt-A-Program encourages community responsibility for our environment through scheduled litter cleanups.
Program Details
The program is a two-year commitment where organizations, groups, businesses, families, and individuals (18 years of age and older) agree to perform a minimum of six cleanups per year in their adopted area. Various volunteer programs include:
Roadway
A minimum ½ mile section of primary, secondary or residential streets will be eligible for adoption which includes sidewalks on both sides.
Trail
Section that includes 5-10 ft. on both sides of the trail. These areas are very limited.
Waterway
City-owned Canoe/Kayak Launches. Canoes and kayaks should be owned by the volunteer, and the volunteer should be experienced in their use and limitations. These areas are very limited.
2024-25 ADOPT-A-PROGRAM STATS
Our Volunteers Make a Difference
Volunteers
1,306
Cleanups
561
Service Hours
5,112
Pounds of litter
24,038
- Review the Adopt-a-Program guidelines and safety tips.
- Submit an Adopt-a-Program interest form to give us a better idea of your desired location.*
- Once a location has been reviewed and approved, a member of our team will contact you to set up an appointment to finalize the adoption.
- Schedule your cleanups accordingly and remember to complete your report card.
Thank you for your interest in helping keep Virginia Beach clean and beautiful!
Note: It will be the responsibility of the adopting group to notify our office of any changes within their group as it affects their adoption (i.e. changes in primary contact, phone number, email, address, etc.). Failure to notify the office of any changes may result in termination of your adoption.
* The Adopt-a-Program Team shall coordinate, review, and approve the proposed area of adoption. If there is a question of safety or health, the proposed adoption will not be approved. Parks and Recreation reserve the right to revise these conditions and discontinue the program at any time.
Adopt-a-Program is a two-year commitment where organizations, groups, businesses, families, and individuals (18 years of age and older) agree to perform a minimum of six cleanups of their adopted area. Parks and Recreation will provide orange trash bags to assist with cleanups if needed. Requests must be made in advance.
Adopting groups are required to complete a report card after each cleanup. If numerous orange trash bags or large debris pick-up is required, please submit the location on your report card to ensure prompt pick-up.
When your adoption has reached at least six (6) months in duration and you have completed at least four (4) cleanups, you are eligible for an Adopt-a-Program sign for your site. Sign requests are not automatic. They are only initiated after you inform us that you would like your sign, and you have completed the above criteria. Once we have verified your eligibility, the sign request will be submitted. Reorder of signs due to a change of name will be at the adopting group’s expense.
Interested in participating but can't make the commitment? A targeted cleanup might be the best choice. A targeted cleanup is a one-time cleanup at any desired location (with approval and only on city property). Locations must meet the requirements for the area you are looking to clean. Groups must submit a report card after their targeted cleanup.
Adopt-a-Locations
To inquire about available locations, park addresses, and start and endpoints for streets and highways, contact the Adopt-A-Programs Coordinator at (757) 385-0460 or cleanparks@vbgov.com.