How to Get Involved
There are many ways to get involved with the Fairbanks Storm Water Management Program. Here are a few:
Attend Our Monthly Fairbanks Storm Water Advisory Committee Meetings!
The Fairbanks Storm Water Advisory Committee (FSWAC) was formed in 2003 to coordinate and carry out the development, implementation, and review of the Fairbanks Storm Water Management Program. Current committee members and participants include representatives from the:
- Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) • City of Fairbanks (COF)
- Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (AKDOT) • City of North Pole (NP)
- Tanana Valley Watershed Association • Fairbanks North Star Borough (FNSB)
- University of Alaska Fairbanks • two Citizen Members (COF and NP)
The committee meets the second Thursday of each month from 11 am to 12:30 pm. Go to the COF Calendar for meeting location/format. All meetings are open to the public and welcome your participation.
Participate in Our Annual Stream Cleanup Day!
Each year during the month of June we host a Stream Cleanup Day event. The event is much like the annual spring roadside cleanup events, expect this one proceeds by canoe and on foot along the banks of the Chena River, Noyes Slough, Chena Slough, and other waterways in the Fairbanks area. Each year our volunteers collect over 2,000 pounds of litter and trash out of our local waterways and we are always looking for new individuals and organizations to help out! We will even provide the:
- Canoes
- Drinks
- Snacks
- Event T-Shirts
- Garbage Pickup and Hauling
- Gloves
- Plastic Bags
- Safety Vests
- Transportation to and from put-in and pull-out locations for those in canoes
Watch for The Stream Cleanup Day Flyer on the Fairbanks North Star Borough and City of Fairbanks websites and in the Fairbanks Daily News Miner.
Bring the Kids to Our Annual Chena Riverwalk!
Spend a day on the Chena Riverwalk engaging in fun activity booths. Kids ages 6 through 12 and their families will learn from many different organizations who provide education and awareness opportunities to improve the health of our watershed. Enjoy a free lunch, lots of interactive booths, and a beautiful two mile walk as you connect with Nature on the Chena River. For more information, visit the Tanana Valley Watershed Association webpage for the Chena Riverwalk Flyer.
Join the Adopt-a-Stream Program!
Would you, or your organization, like to adopt a section of stream in Fairbanks? Sign up for a section of the Chena River, Noyes Slough, Chena Slough, or any other waterway in the Fairbanks area you would like to help maintain. All you have to do is agree to pick up litter along your adopted stream section twice per year, and we will put a sign at each end of your adopted stream section identifying you at the official adoptee! We will also provide you all the plastic bags, safety vests, gloves, and other safety supplies you will need to start collecting litter. For more information, visit the Tanana Valley Watershed Association.
Become a Volunteer Water Quality Monitor!
The Tanana Valley Watershed Association is also looking for volunteers to help monitor the water quality of various water bodies in the Fairbanks area. Would you like to help collect and analyze samples near your home or favorite recreational area? We can set you up with data sheets and a digital Hanna Meter to measure pH, water temperature, and conductivity. By doing so, you can help us identify water quality trends and detect pollution. For more information on how to become a volunteer, visit the Tanana Valley Watershed Association's webpage.
Help Stencil Storm Drain Inlets!
Each summer we look for volunteers to help stencil storm drain inlets to help educate the public about where the storm water ends up after being flushed into the storm drain system. Would you like to help stencil inlets around town or in your own neighborhood? Contact Andrew Ackerman of the City of Fairbanks at 907-459-6836 or email Andrew Ackerman to learn more.