Adopt a creek trail program

Help Keep the Escondido Creek Trail Beautiful!

The Adopt-A-Creek Program is a community volunteer initiative that partners local groups, families, businesses, and organizations with the City of Escondido to keep the Escondido Creek Trail (ECT) clean and welcoming for everyone. Managed by Escondido Education COMPACT in partnership with the City of Escondido's Volunteer Escondido Program, this program gives community members the chance to "adopt" a section of the trail and take pride in caring for it all year long.

What Does It Mean to Adopt a Section?

When your group adopts a portion of the Escondido Creek Trail, you commit to hosting a monthly cleanup event along your assigned section for one full year. Trail sections range in length and are located along various stretches of the ECT, giving groups of all sizes the opportunity to get involved.

What Your Group Will Do?

-Host at least one cleanup event per month along your adopted section

-Have two group leads present and responsible for the group at every cleanup

-Collect trash bags and leave them at a designated cross-street for City pickup

-Report participation numbers and bags of trash collected to COMPACT after each cleanup

-Commit to the full one-year program term, with no pauses or holds

Getting Started

-Register your group by completing the Adopt-A-Creek Registration & Participation Agreement.

-Designate two group leads who will complete a volunteer application and a fingerprint background check through the City of Escondido — at no cost to your group.

-Receive your starter kit, which includes trash pickers, disposable gloves, trash bags, a five-gallon bucket, and safety vests for your group leads.

-Choose your section of the trail and get started with your first cleanup!

What You'll Receive

-A complimentary Adopt-A-Creek supply kit to get your group started

-Recognition signage along your adopted trail section after six consecutive months of cleanups

-Ongoing support and coordination from COMPACT staff

-The satisfaction of giving back to your community and protecting a shared natural resource

Ready to Adopt a Section?

Whether you're a family, a scout troop, a faith group, a business team, or a group of neighbors, there's a section of the Escondido Creek Trail waiting for you.

For more information or to sign up, call Escondido Education COMPACT:

(760) 839-4515 ext. 301.