Temperatures are rising, little green things are popping out of the ground, and people are venturing outside — which means drain stenciling season is here again. Using paint and stencils, volunteers mark storm drains with the message, “Please Don’t Pollute! Drains to Mississippi River (Lake or Creek)!” and distribute educational doorhangers to neighborhood homes and businesses.

This hands-on outdoor service activity is an ideal opportunity to improve our local water resources — and an excellent fit for groups looking for a fun, outdoor team-building experience with immediate results.

A Storm Drain Stenciling service outing:

• is just one and a half to three hours in length,
• can be scheduled according to your needs (and the stenciling coordinator’s availability),
• can accommodate anywhere from 10 to 400 people, and,
• is entirely free with all supplies provided.

What do volunteers do?

First, there is an educational presentation on how storm drains are part of the storm sewer system — carrying untreated rain and snowmelt, complete with pesticides, antifreeze, motor oil, fertilizer, pet waste, etc., directly to the nearest lake or river. It is an engaging, brief explanation of the threat of non-point source pollution and the purpose of the project.

Next, using spray paint and stencils, volunteers mark storm drains with the message, “Please Don’t Pollute! Drains to Mississippi River!” Volunteers wear orange safety vests and orange safety cones are placed in the area. (All supplies provided.)

Volunteers also distribute educational doorhangers to nearby homes and businesses, explaining the connection between local drains and water quality, and offering techniques for proper disposal of substances commonly washed into the drains and thus the Mississippi River or local lakes.

Volunteers rotate between the two activities.

Who can participate, where?

FMR works with any group of 10 or more. Classrooms, and community, youth, church, corporate and informal neighborhood or family groups are all welcome. This activity is best for 4th graders and older, but groups with younger children are welcome if a significant, up to one-to-one adult-to-youth ratio can be provided within the group. Ten is the minimum number of participants (which typically means an anticipated groups size of 12); groups of 15 and up preferred.

Volunteers living, attending school or working in Saint Paul can usually mark drains near their homes, school or office. The stencilling coordinator will work with you and your group to select your Saint Paul location.

Because what we do in our yards can cause water pollution, we encourage participants to continue educating friends, neighbors and coworkers about the easy ways to keep our water safe and healthy for the future.

When and how do I plan an outing?

FMR conducts this program mid-April through mid-October (weather permitting) in Saint Paul. Depending on how many groups are currently signed up to stencil, and the size of your group, it can take two to eight weeks to coordinate your outing.

You or another representative from your group will work directly with the stenciling coordinator, Sara Muchowski, to plan your outing. To schedule an outing, or if you have further questions, Sara can be reached at 651-222-2193 x23 or through our contact form; please select “stenciling” under category rather than "general inquiries," and include a day and evening phone number if possible. Sara will return your call or e-mail within a week.

We hope to hear from you soon!

Funding for this program is provided by the City of Saint Paul Public Works.