Revive a fountain

About the campaign

Fountains as Symbols and Sanctuaries

A sip of cold water is a true gift after hours of walking or running. For livestock grazing in the mountains, fountains are no less essential—and the same is true for wildlife. Insects, birds, small and large mammals all find these fountains to be life-saving oases. The water troughs and the small wetlands that form around them become habitats for rare and remarkable amphibians such as newts and yellow-bellied toads. Dragonfly larvae and many other aquatic species can also be found as well. Fountains are far more than simple structures; they often represent the last remaining sign of life in the abandoned hamlets of remote villages. They carry the memory of a way of life that has already passed, and the hope that a fragment of human spirit endures.

We and the Fountains

Since 2018, we at Science for Nature have been restoring deteriorated fountains across the country—springs that have run dry, become clogged, or fallen into disrepair, and no longer offer clean, fresh water. Our focus is on fountains located at the edges of settlements and along wild, remote trails. Our mission is to safeguard water as a natural resource and to preserve fountains not only as vital biodiversity refuges but also as an integral part of Bulgarian culture and tradition.
To date, we have restored 45 fountains in ecologically significant locations—from the Eastern Rhodopes, Pirin, and Stara Planina to the Danube plain.

Revive a Fountain

Breathing life back into a fountain is a long and often demanding task. It begins with the essential step: ensuring a free and natural flow of water from the source to the outflow. Securing a year-round water supply—especially during hot summer months—is often the greatest challenge. From the spring to the final spillway, we clear overgrown vegetation, debris, and sediment, allowing the water to return to the earth after quenching the thirst of those who pass by. We rebuild collapsed walls, troughs, spillways, and facades to sustain life for generations to come. And just as importantly, to truly “revive” a fountain, we document and preserve its story.
Because we devote great care to conserving each fountain in its most authentic form, we need more helping hands to restore 60 additional fountains this year.
“Living Fountains” is a cause close to our hearts, because we believe water is not merely a resource—it is life itself. Life persists where fountains run freely, which is why we named this year’s campaign “Revive a Fountain.”

Join Our “Revive a Fountain” Campaign

You can support the campaign in several ways:

• Become a volunteer in our restoration activities;
• Gather family, friends, or colleagues and clean a fountain identified by our team as needing restoration;
• Or restore a fountain that holds personal meaning for you.

Whichever option you choose, we will be by your side.
In the coming months, we will clean selected “fountains in need” every week. Information will be shared through our communication channels, and missions will be posted on TimeHeroes at least 7 days before each restoration. Anyone can join—travelling with us (depending on available space), with your own vehicle, or by bus/train, depending on the location. We provide the necessary materials, though you are welcome to bring your own shovel or hoe.

If you wish to revive one of the other identified fountains without waiting for our scheduled trips, explore our upcoming map of “fountains in need.” We will guide you on what must be done and will coordinate with the landowner in advance. Basic tools such as a shovel, hoe, pickaxe, gloves, and waste bags should be at hand.
If you decide to clean or restore a fountain of your choice, we will support you with tailored instructions based on the fountain’s condition.