Storm drain stenciling: Engaging youth in protecting our water
Only Rain Down the Drain! That’s the message behind a binational storm drain stenciling project this past summer. Our Foundation’s Watershed Coordination Program engaged youth and the communities of Fort Frances and Kenora, Ontario and International Falls, Minnesota to paint messages beside storm drains next to Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River. The messages are reminders to take care of what goes into those storm drains. These drains lead directly to the river and lake, without treatment. Soap used for car washing, oils, gas and greases, fertilizers on lawns and other contaminants can get washed down into these drains with overland flow.