The Alouette River Management Society and the City of Maple Ridge invite you to adopt a block in your neighbourhood

What is Adopt-a-Block?

The Maple Ridge Adopt-a-Block is a volunteer based initiative that envisions a cleaner, healthier, litter-free City. The idea behind Adopt-a-Block is to encourage active community engagement and promote proper waste disposal while building neighbourhood relationships in pursuit of keeping Maple Ridge beautiful!

Volunteer members of Adopt-a-Block commit to taking responsibility for the state of the City by ‘adopting’ an area in neighbourhhod. This involves collecting small amounts of litter on a monthly basis for one year in the designated area.

How does it work?
Adopt-A-Block involves collecting small amounts of litter on a monthly basis in your designated area. Associated with Adopt-A-Block are three other programs, including Adopt-A-Stream, Adopt-A-Park, and Adopt-A-Trail. Once you register and adopt your block, you can sign-out equipment from the Alouette River Management Society Rivers Heritage Centre (arrange in advance). You can keep the equipment for the duration of your commitment period. High visibility vests will be provided for large group cleanups. There is no set schedule – when you have a bit of free time, do a quick cleanup!

Adopt-A-Stream involves collecting litter as well as other stream activities, such as water quality testing and replacing invasive plants with native species. However, you must attain your Streamkeepers certification to engage in any stream activities besides basic litter pickup.

Who can participate?
Adopt-A-Block welcomes everyone! Students participate to gain volunteer hours to graduate, retired individuals join to stay active in their community, families adopt together as a fun, constructive activity – the possibilities are endless. Keeping our community tidy makes Maple Ridge that much more beautiful to enjoy.

History of the Adopt-A-Block Program

The Adopt-A-Block (AAB) program has deep roots in Maple Ridge, with its origins tracing back nearly 30 years. Initially developed through a collaboration between ALLCO Correctional Centre’s work gang program and the Downtown Businessmen’s Association, the concept was brought forward by community advocate Gordy Robson as a way to create a cleaner city and generate additional support for the Alouette River Management Society (ARMS). Early versions of the program involved placing 45-gallon drums in key locations around city parks for litter collection, with ALLCO inmates managing much of the hands-on work and maintenance.

In 1995, the program officially transitioned to ARMS, though ALLCO staff and inmates continued to provide essential on-the-ground support. In the early 2000s, administration and bookkeeping shifted, and by 2005, the program was fully integrated into ARMS under the leadership of Jenny, who was appointed Executive Director. With support from then-Mayor Kathy Morse, ARMS secured dedicated funding for the program—$10,000 for AAB and $10,000 for ARMS—which laid a strong foundation for its continued growth.

Today, Adopt-A-Block is a thriving community-driven initiative, engaging volunteers from all walks of life in monthly cleanups across Maple Ridge. From students earning volunteer hours to families, retirees, and local businesses, the program continues to inspire civic pride and environmental responsibility—one block at a time.

Apply
Click the link below to download the registration package for individuals and families and submit completed forms to adoptablock@alouetteriver.org (scanned documents) or mail to 24959 Alouette Road, Maple Ridge, BC, V4R 1R8.
Word Document: Adopt-A-Block Registration Package (Individuals and Families)
PDF: Adopt-A-Block Registration Package (Individuals and Families)
If you are interested in making adoption as a business, group, or organization, contact us to receive your business package and registration materials.

Contact Us
If you are interested in the Adopt-A-Block program or Adopt-A-Stream program, contact us to register or learn more! Your commitment and contributions will be appreciated by anyone – or anything – that calls Maple Ridge home.
Phone: 604-463-9699 (Adopt-A-Block) or 604-467-6401 (ARMS)
Email: adoptablock@alouetteriver.org

We are looking for a business sponsor for this program

If you would like to sponsor the Maple Ridge Adopt-a-Block Program or would like more information sponsorship please contact adoptablock@alouetteriver.org