GARWOOD — During her Public Works report at Thursday night’s meeting of the Garwood Mayor and Council, Councilwoman Karina Boto gave an update on the current Adopt-A-Drain program.

Started in 2024, theAdopt-A-Drain program is a stormwater management program where residents volunteer to help keep local storm drains clean by regularly clearing them. The program is set up to help prevent flooding and assist the Department of Public Works (DPW).

Councilwoman Boto noted that since the program was implemented last year, six residents have signed up. She thanked adopters Drew Epstein, Claire Denning, Lenny Destefano, Debbie Ledger, Gonzalo Gonzalez Vasquez (Councilwoman Clarissa E. Nolde’s husband), and Bill Nierstedt.

“We thank these adopters and appreciate your efforts and commitment to keep our water clean and contribute to reducing flooding in Garwood,” she said.

Councilwoman Boto also announced that Garwood will now join the official Adopt-A-Drain program, which started at Hamline University in Saint Paul, Minnesota. An announcement will be posted on the Borough website and social media when residents can sign up on nj.adopt-a-drain.com.

“Flooding is such a concern for everyone, so I really hope that the community will get involved- It’s something that can definitely make a change,” she said.