Adopt a Green Infrastructure

Volunteer to help clean and maintain one of 12 bioswales and rain gardens located throughout Berkeley. Bioswales and rain gardens helps prevent flooding, improve water quality in creeks flowing through Berkeley into the San Francisco Bay, and build climate resilience. 

Become a volunteer with the Adopt-A-Green Infrastructure program to make a positive impact in several areas: 

• Community: Meet new neighbors by adopting and maintaining a bioswale or rain garden. 
• Street beautification: A clean green infrastructure makes our streets more attractive and welcoming. 
• Environment: Growing native plants contributes to urban greening and habitat creation for birds and pollinators. 

Volunteer with Adopt-a-Green Infrastructure

Learn more about the Adopt-A-Green Infrastructure Program and apply to volunteer on the program’s website. Watch the Instructional Sign-up video for Adopt-a-Storm-Drain, another City volunteer opportunity, and follow the steps to adopt a bioswale or rain garden.

Use our Adopt-a-Green Infrastructure site to:

• View the latest status and details of trash and debris removal at a bioswale or rain garden
• Request maintenance service

Volunteer responsibilities

Individuals, families, schools, local organizations, and businesses are all welcome to adopt a bioswale or rain garden. No experience is required. The City will provide guidance and equipment. 

Volunteers agree to maintain their bioswale or rain garden by performing:

• Removing weeds, trash, and debris
• Light watering of plants as necessary
• Maintaining the health of native plants
• Monitor for flooding, erosion, or dumping

We ask for a minimum commitment of at least one year, but volunteers can visit their adopted site as often as they choose.

The City will be providing equipment to ensure volunteers have the tools and support they need to take care of our green infrastructure:

• City-branded high-visibility safety vest
• Plant debris bags, trash bags, and gloves
• Native plants from local nurseries (as available)
• Step-by-step guidance on plant care and maintenance
• Ongoing staff support for questions and troubleshooting

For questions or concerns, please call (510) 981-6620 or email adoptaspot@berkeleyca.gov.