If you're looking for a great service outing that is educational, active, outdoors and provides a significant community benefit, consider storm drain stenciling. Reservations are now being taken for April through October 2009.

Using paint and stencils, volunteers mark Saint Paul 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 15 to 400 people, and,
• is entirely free with all supplies provided.

What do volunteers do?

First, the stenciling coordinator provides 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 spray painting and distributing educational materials.

Who can participate, where?

• FMR works with any group of 10 or more (which typically means an anticipated groups size of 12); groups of 15 and up preferred. 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.
• Volunteers living, attending school or working in Saint Paul can usually mark drains near their homes, school or office. The stenciling 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.

To schedule your outing or inquire further about stenciling, please contact us via our contact form; please select "stenciling" under category rather than "general inquiries," and include a day and evening phone number and your preferred dates and times for your stenciling outing, if possible. We will return your 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.