The Adopt-A-Spot program allows individuals and organizations to adopt public spaces, like parks, medians, and roadways, for litter cleanups and other maintenance activities. Adoptions are great for any group who wants to have a meaningful and positive impact on the environment, including:
- Businesses
- Neighborhood Groups
- Civic Organizations
- Scouts
- Faith Groups
- Environmental Clubs
Adoptions are 100% voluntary, run on five-year agreements, and have no application or annual fees!
Adoptee Spotlight of the Month: Rob Bauereisen
Rob Bauereisen has lived and worked in Fort Worth for more than 35 years. Recently retired from his career as a horticulturist at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, Rob now uses his expertise and leadership skills to volunteer and improve his community through three City of Fort Worth programs and one neighborhood initiative.
Adopt-a-Spot
Although Rob has maintained the parkway across from his home for 20 years, he formalized his commitment after retirement by completing the Adopt-a-Spot paperwork with the Park & Recreation Department. When asked why he adopted this area, Rob explained, “I wanted to give back to the city and my community, so I decided to start in my neighborhood by mowing and edging the parkway and keeping the street clean of trash and leaves.” Since then, he has expanded his efforts to picking up trash along a six-mile stretch from Handley Drive to Hitson Lane.
Code Ranger
As a Code Ranger volunteer, Rob reports minor code violations to help maintain neighborhood standards.
Code Blue
Rob volunteers approximately 25 hours a month with the Fort Worth Police Department through the Code Blue program.
Handley Neighborhood Association
He recently joined his neighbors in the tire roundup and the Keep Fort Worth Beautiful Cowtown Cleanup efforts.
Rob says that dedicating his time to helping his Fort Worth neighborhood look its best and improve safety brings him great satisfaction and happiness. Well done, Rob!
Research confirms what Rob experiences firsthand—volunteers tend to be happier people. Get happier—adopt-a-spot!
Litter-Only Adoptions
Litter cleanups are the most common activity for groups that want to be a part of the Adopt-a-Spot program. If your group wants to focus on litter cleanups, with an occasional planting or beautification project, choose the Litter-Only Adoption. Parks and Recreation can work with you on a case-by-case basis for other projects.
To begin a Litter-Only Adoption, contact Keep Fort Worth Beautiful or call 817-392-2046.
Maintenance Adoptions
If you or a contractor want to perform activities in addition to litter cleanups, like mowing and irrigation, it is required to have a formal contract with the city. The contract is for a minimum of two years and you or your contractor may be required to provide proof of insurance.
To begin a Maintenance Adoption, contact the Park & Recreation team
Winter and Irrigation
The winter season means temperatures drop to near or below freezing at night. Fort Worth Water Conservation wants to remind city facilities with irrigation systems about proper care and maintenance during the wintertime.
To protect irrigation systems and prevent safety hazards from ice on roads and sidewalks:
- Rain/freeze sensors should be inspected and repaired to working order. Be sure to check batteries. Freeze sensors automatically shut off irrigation systems when temperature drop to at or near freezing.
- Irrigation systems should be turned off from November through March. Be sure to shut off the water and drain the system.
- Bermuda grass is now dormant and does not need watering. Plants can be hand watered if rainfall is not sufficient.
- Over-seeding with rye grass should not be used on city properties.
- Watering of golf courses and athletic field turf should only be used to protect playing surfaces and for user safety. City departments may water only on Tuesday and Friday and never between 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Inspect any system in use to make sure spray heads are not watering any hard surfaces.
If you have questions about outdoor watering requirements or winter irrigation system use, please email the Water Conservation team or call 817-392-8740.