The Augusta Canal was put up for adoption Monday -- in sections.

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Rob Pavey/ Staff

The first sign honoring participants in the Augusta Canal Authority’s “Adopt a Canal Trail” program was unveiled Monday. Martin-Marietta has agreed to provide volunteers to help clean and maintain the canal’s upper two miles.

"Any group is eligible to adopt a section," said Canal Authority Chairman Bob Woodhurst. "It can be business groups, scout groups, churches -- even a family."

The new program unveiled today is part of an effort to keep the canal and its 11-mile channel in the best possible condition.

Woodhurst said the formal "Adopt a Canal Trail" project builds on the successes of other volunteer efforts, such as the  First Saturday group's restoration of the aqueduct area and the Southeast Off-Road Bicycle Association's help with trails.

The first official trail adopter is Martin Marietta Materials Augusta Quarry, which plans to have 30 to 40 employee volunteers attend an annual spring cleanup on Saturday.

Tony DiRico, the company's Southeast Division president, said volunteers will concentrate on the upper two miles of the canal in the headgates area.

Groups or individuals can officially adopt a section of land or water trail by agreeing to visit their designated area at least four times a year to pick up litter, perform light pruning and inspect for maintenance and safety issues.  Adopters are asked to follow agreed-upon procedures and file brief reports on their activities.

Adopters will be acknowledged with special trail signs.

Interested groups can contact the canal's Adopt a Trail coordinator at 706-823-0440, ext. 8, or email to adoptatrail@augustacanal.com.

Reach Rob Pavey at (706) 868-1222, ext. 119, or rob.pavey@augustachronicle.com