Stenciling season is here again. Using paint and stencils, volunteer groups mark storm drains with the message, “Please Don’t Pollute! Drains to Mississippi River” (or “Lake” or “Creek”) and distribute educational doorhangers to neighborhood homes and businesses throughout Saint Paul. The stenciled message alerts citizens that storm drains are part of the storm sewer system that carries untreated rain and snowmelt directly from the city’s lawns and streets to rivers and lakes. The doorhanger provides residents with techniques for proper disposal of substances that are commonly dumped or washed into storm drains. What we do in our yards can cause water pollution. We encourage local residents to educate each other about the easy ways to keep our water safe and healthy for the future.

FMR is looking for classrooms or community groups of 15 people or more to participate in our Storm Drain Stenciling Project in Saint Paul. Groups from outside of Saint Paul are encouraged to set up a project near a Saint Paul park or recreation center. Complete kits are available free of charge from FMR, and a representative will meet with your group to explain the threat of non-point source pollution and the purpose of the project. FMR conducts this program April through October (weather permitting) in Saint Paul. For more information or to plan an outing, contact Sara Muchowski through our contact form or by calling 651-222-2193 x23.