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Program Information

The CARING FOR OUR WATERSHEDS program asks to students to submit a proposal that answers the question, "What can you do to improve your watershed?" Students must research their local watershed, identify an environmental concern and come up with a realistic solution. Community judges select the top entries to compete at a final competition.

Cash awards are given to schools and students who participate. There is also implementation funding available.

Young minds often hold the key to amazing innovations that can protect and improve our watersheds. This program is Monday morning ready and fits into curriculum.

Deadlines, rules, awards and watershed information is special for each contest.

Agrium Wins Alberta Emerald Award!

Agrium’s Caring for our Watersheds (CFW) program is the proud recipient of a 2011 Alberta Emerald Award in the Education: Non-Formal category.

“The Emerald Award is like winning an Oscar for environmental stewardship in Alberta. It is a huge accomplishment to win this prestigious award and we are very honoured,” said Lindsey Metheral, Agrium Program Coordinator. “The Caring for our Watersheds program continues to grow thanks to our community partners who are dedicated to mentoring the students on the state of their local watershed.”

Empowering Students to Bring Their Ideas to Life

“The students have incredible ideas on how to improve our local environment and we are committed to helping them make their ideas happen,” added Metheral.

The key to the success of the CFW program relies in taking action after the contest. All students are encouraged to implement their idea. Agrium offers over $100,000 per year to help students' ideas become reality.

Good for the Environment = Good for our Communities

“I have seen the spectacular innovation and ideas put forth in Caring for our Watersheds. I strongly believe this contest will be beneficial not only to our environment but to the communities where we operate, said Agrium President and Chief Executive Officer Mike Wilson. ”What better way to help grow the next generation but by engaging them and asking for help in seeking solutions in our communities.”

A university student at this year’s ceremonies commented that all of the generations need to work together to take care of our environment and Agrium couldn’t agree more. By working together we can make a difference.

This was the 20th year that the Emerald Awards have taken place.

“Albertans are passionate about balancing the development of this province’s rich resources with environmental stewardship. The Emerald Awards recognize and reward the excellent environmental initiatives undertaken each year.” (Alberta Emerald Foundation, 2011).

Related Links:

• Video showcasing Agrium’s nomination in the category of Education: Non-Formal
• Winning students in Alberta CFW contest introduced in Alberta's Legislative Assembly

Related Documents:

Congratulatory Letter from Parliament - As word of the Emerald Award spread, accolades for the educational program came in from everywhere.

Watershed Moment: CFW feted once again

Caring for our Watersheds received its second major environmental award in 2011 - the Fred Heal Conservation Award! 

Almost all of Agrium’s Western Canadian operations sit inside the Saskatchewan River Basin, and an advocacy group bent on keeping those waterways clean and healthy just gave Agrium an award for choosing to be part of the solution.

“What a wonderful honour,” says Lindsey Metheral, Sustainability and Stakeholder Relations Coordinator. “It is extremely gratifying to be acknowledged by a major environmental organization and to be a part of a program that is making positive changes to the state of our local watershed.”

The Fred Heal Conservation Award recognizes a community, organization or business that has taken direct initiative in preserving and/or enhancing the health of the Saskatchewan River Basin.

“This program is an innovative way to encourage youth to take ownership in their local watersheds,” says Lis Mack, Acting Manager of the Partners for the Saskatchewan River Basin. “These students are our future leaders who are learning early to think ‘out of the box’ to protect our vital water resources.”

Since 1993, the Partners have promoted the stewardship and sustainability of the Saskatchewan River Basin, an international watershed stretching over the three Prairie Provinces and a portion of Montana. Agrium production facilities that sit inside the basin include Redwater, Fort Saskatchewan, Joffre, Carseland, Calgary and Vanscoy.

School Note

If schools are interested in participating they MUST REGISTER THEIR SCHOOL - click here to register.

Volunteer Note

Volunteer tasks and assignments come in all skill levels and time commitments, such as helping tabulate scores or mentoring contestants. The more people that volunteer, the better this experience will be for the students - click here to register.

2010 Top Finalists Announced at Government of Alberta

On Monday, April 18, 2011 Alberta’s Minister of Environment, Honourable Rob Renner, greeted seven Caring for our Watersheds (CFW) winners and their chaperons at the Legislative Building.

The CFW group had the privilege of visiting with Minister Renner in his office. The CFW students were given an opportunity to explain their ideas to Minister Renner and again to MLA Broyce Jacobs.

 Later in the afternoon, Minister Renner introduced the Caring for our Watersheds group in Alberta’s Legislative Assembly.

Student Video

Teacher Video