Author Archives: Chloe Sprecker

Why We Need Green Cleaning

2023, BERTHOUD, COLORADO, USA

Olivia Martinez from Berthoud High School addressed the effects of the improper use of chemical cleaning products on her watershed by creating green cleaning kits containing ingredients that are not harmful to the watershed. Olivia’s project helped find better products for families, industrial buildings, and schools that will essentially benefit the watershed rather than hurt it. Changing the way we clean would ultimately help the environment by reducing air pollution, protecting endangered species, and can assist in preserving Earth’s natural resources. This solution addressed Targets 14.1 and 6.1 of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Students Launch Awareness Campaign to Protect Native Species

2023, Arlington, VA, USA

Fifth Grade students launched a campaign to educate people on native and invasive plants to increase planting of native plants and understanding of the precautions to take against invasive plants.

After consulting with their school’s Master Naturalist and learning that he removed the invasive species in the area, they realized that many people do not understand how to protect the area against invasive plant species. They decided to create 23 informative signs about plant species and created a stepping stone path for visitors to follow along and learn more. This path is now used by the school’s science specialist to teach lessons on seasons and native plants.

SDG: 15: Life on Land

Targets: 15.8, 15.5

Virginia Students Reduce Spread of Invasive Species

2023, Arlington, VA, USA

When fifth grade students at Jamestown Elementary conducted an environmental inventory of Jamestown Elementary and Jamestown Park with the Master Naturalist and Park Steward, they found many invasive plant species. These plant species were not native to the area and may have been spread there by seeds stuck on to visitors’ shoes.

To address this problem, students installed boot brushes close to where the invasive plant species were spreading as well as other key areas. They worked with their art teacher to create signs that would educate others on how to use boot brushes and the impact of invasive species. They planned and stocked up on replacement brushes and signs when future grade students notice that they are needed.

Many students have now changed their habits and use the boot brush regularly to protect the local watershed. They understand the impact of invasive plants and know what to look out for in the future.

SDG: 15: Life on Land

Targets: 15.5, 15.8

Creating Animal Habitats for Our Creek

2023, Arlington, VA, USA

5th grade students at Jamestown Elementary studied and investigated the local creek on the school property with the help of a Master Naturalist and park Steward. They discovered that there was a lack of animals around the creek and decided to make a change. Students attracted animals using bird houses and insect hotels. This also included a screech owl box to attract new birds to the area. A flicker nesting box near the creek to attract the local northern flicker population, and snake guards to the blue bird nesting box poles to protect them.

The students were thrilled to see that all 4 boxes were used by the targeted bird population, wrens, and the nests were kept and shown to science students.

The creek became a valuable learning tool for all ages to understand the unique role each organism plays in the overall health of an ecosystem.

SDG: 15: Life on land, 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

Targets: 15.5, 6.6

Young People Leading American Eel Species Repopulation

2023, Lewistown, PA, USA

Wildlife and Fisheries Science students at Mifflin County High School took action to help restore the native American Eel population in Kish Creek.

They partnered with Susquehanna River Basin Commission, Cerry Township, Mifflin County Conservation District, PA Fish and Boat Commission, and the PA Game Commission to create a sustainable action plan.

Upon learning about the eels and their impact in the waterway, students raised eel in the classroom, released them into the local creek, and planted native seedlings along the creek. This project occurred throughout the duration of the school year and resulted in an immediate increase in the local eel population.

The students plan to continue monitoring the eel in their local watershed, conduct water testing, and involve future classes in macroinvertebrate monitoring. The knowledge and resources that they have gained while monitoring this eel population, is inspiring them to educate friends and families and involve themselves in other projects that can improve their local watershed.

SDG: 4: Quality Education, 14: Life Below Water, 15: Life on Land

Targets: 14.1, 15.1

Purple Martin Towers

2022, Herndon, Virginia, USA

We are the Herndon Elementary School Bee’s Green Team! In 2022 we won 1^st place in the Chesapeake Bay Caring for Our watershed contest with our project, “Purple Martin Project” and we installed 2 purple martin towers on our school property with funding from this competition. Why? This bird species has been declining and plays a vital role in improving the biodiversity of ecosystems in our community and around the world.

Now, we are expanding our idea to help others build Purple Martin Towers in their communities in order to help the Purple Martins thrive there. As the international idea for the 2022-23 school year, Purple Martin towers will be installed in each CFW region internationally! We are excited to continue to work as a school, and throughout other schools along the Purple Martin’s migratory path, to manage and monitor the tower and species with a bird watching area.

Check out our demonstration of setting up and cleaning out your purple martin towers here:

Students Expand Tree Canopy

2022, Arlington, VA, USA

5th graders at Barrett Elementary School launched a campaign to expand their community’s tree canopy and raise awareness of how to keep trees healthy to improve their watershed.

The students led by example and participated throughout the whole process of planting trees. Despite hot weather, they dug holes, hauled mulch, and planted the trees. They collaborated with John Stewart, a special education teacher, who donated his time to purchase the trees from a local nursery.

Students are planning to continue to work to keep them strong and healthy as they grow by mulching and rewatering as needed. The students have launched an awareness campaign with their peers around how to keep our plants healthy and plan to create posters about the benefits of trees and why we shouldn’t climb, or pick leaves off when they are young. By raising awareness about how to protect life on land, they aim to change resident practices to create a lasting impact on their watershed.

SDG: 15: Life on Land

Targets: 15.1

Students Decrease Litter in Arlington

2022, ARLINGTON, VA, USA

5^th Grade students at Barrett Elementary School are creating a legacy of citizen involvement to keep litter out of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Their project, “Littering in Arlington, VA” aimed to inspire change at a local community level by clearing a local stream of litter. They achieved this by organizing and participating on a walking field trip where they picked up nearly 28 full bags of trash along the stream. The students plan to organize future clean ups, extending the impact and reach of this project over the coming years.

SDG: 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Targets: 2.1

Legacy Story – Standing for Tomorrow

From student-action project to state legislation! Learn how Caring for Our Watersheds has left a lasting legacy for this group of students from Virginia.

Caring for Our Watersheds Named United Nations SDG Good Practice Partner

The United Nations named Caring for Our Watersheds as an SDG Good Practice Partner for theprogram’s contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) were adopted in 2015 and act as a collection of 17 interlinked global goals designed to achieve a more sustainable future for all. Each Caring for Our Watershed project implementation aligns with one or more SDG, contributing to achieving the goals by the set year of 2030.

The SDG Good Practices acknowledges inspiring breakthroughs and success stories to highlight examples of good practices, including those that could be replicated or scaled-up by others across the globe.

Nutrien’s 2021 Program Coordinator Chloe Sprecker shared her excitement, “I am extremely proud of the efforts made by participating schools, students, volunteers and program partners, their ideas and efforts have paved the way for our involvement and commitment to contributing to the SDGs.” Adding, “we are honored to receive this acknowledgement from the United Nations and to be part of a program that is making an impact across the globe.”

The Caring for Our Watersheds program will continue to work and contribute to meeting the United Nations SDG targets to help make a difference and reach a sustainable future.