Riparian Repair

2012 Virden, Manitoba, Canada

Chelsi Malach is a passionate student who wanted to improve a local wetland called Eternal Springs, located east of the town of Virden. Along with local community members enjoying the site, this area is also used to teach younger students about the importance of watersheds and wetland conservation.

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While volunteering at the site as an educator, she observed severe bank erosion following the spring flood. There is also an increase in invasive species such as Purple loosestrife.

Her proposal was twofold: to create a buffer zone along the bank by planting a diversity of vegetation, and to assess the invasive species on the site. This would be followed up by manual removal and monitoring.

Chelsi partnered with the Upper Assiniboine Conservation district for their expertise and assistance. As well, the grade 12 biology class participated both in the removal of the invasive species and planting of local vegetation to stabilize the stream back. Her passion enthusiasm for this project has now been shared with the school and community.

The Caring for our Watersheds contest provided Chelsi with over $3,500 to make this ambitious project a reality.

Bottled Water – No More

2012 Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Transcona Collegiate student, Lloyd Flores, conducted research and came up with a solution to a problem he observed in his school. There were a large number of plastic water bottles used by the students on a daily basis and he wondered why. He therefore conducted a student survey and discovered it was the state of the water fountains (rusty, broken) that was deterring students from using them.

Lloyd proposed that by updating the fountains in his school and adding a spout to encourage the use of reusable bottles, this would significantly reduce the waste generated by the bottles. As an International student, Lloyd was extremely nervous about presenting his project in front of an audience, particularly because they included judges. He felt his English was not strong enough. With some encouragement and practice, Lloyd felt more comfortable and earned and 8th position in the contest along with generous support from Nutrien ($4220) to upgrade the fountains in his school.

Lloyd also told us learned a lesson in patience as it took over a year for the project to be implemented due to logistical problems at the school. He is excited about the fact he was able to initiate a plan for his peers. Feedback from the students at Transcona Collegiate has been extremely positive!

Escape To The World Of Xeriscape

2012 Greeley, Colorado, USA

Josh Croft & Stephanie Lopez, Northridge High School, xeriscaping project started out as four pieces of land located in their school’s front parking lot, but because of a new set of greenhouses installed on the east side of the building, the project was relocated.

Croft & Lopez completed most of the planning, landscape design and budgeting during the spring of the year. Ruth Quade, Water Resource Specialist with the City of Greeley, continued to mentor the team through the selection of the type of plants, planting arrangement and purchasing locations.

Removal of the existing plants was delayed throughout the summer. Both students graduated in the spring and headed off to college but before packing their bags, they passed off the 2nd place proposal to the Northridge Horticulture students in order to achieve full implementation. The Horticulture students contacted Eaton Grove Nursery to purchase the selected xeric plants. The low-water landscaping has been installed in front of the newly constructed greenhouses and will be part of the entry way to plant growing spaces. Future plans include placement of signage by the club to identify the plants, water saving advantages and to help inform others how this idea really works.

The Northridge Grizzles appreciate the support from Nutrien to bring the contest to Colorado and the donation of $1000 to implement this solution at our school.

Energy Efficient Dishwashers

2012 Greeley, Colorado, USA

Lance Mosness Jr. & Philipp Chmura from Union Colony Preparatory High School had the idea to install low energy dishwashers in Greeley, Colorado.
Americans themselves use the most water out of any one in the world. The implementation of this solution was to install two low energy dishwashers into community buildings, such as schools in Greeley. Installing these dishwashers into these areas will lower their water use, thus reducing the overall water use of the Poudre Watershed. Just using a dishwasher is more water efficient than hand washing dishes, but the best solution is installing and using low energy dishwashers.

Implementation Timeline:

Summer 2012-Selected and ordered built-In and portable dishwashers ($958.)
Fall 2012-Install dishwashers in schools, ($200, donated)
Late Fall 2012-Estimate water and cost savings
Winter 2012-Media release on the results of our solution

The students’ purchased two energy star dishwashers. During the next two weeks they will be installed at both of the schools. Nutrien donated $958 to implement our project- Thank You!

“Even though our watershed is just a small part of the total water used around our country, a small change here could make a big difference.” – Lance Moseness

Advertising the Proper Disposal of Mercury Lamps

2012 Selkirk, Manitoba, Canada

Lord Selkirk Regional High School student, Kayla Weselowski wanted to create an awareness campaign for the Selkirk, Lockport and St. Andrews area regarding the proper disposal of mercury-containing lights. She felt there was an inadequate amount of information available to the public regarding the safe disposal of these lights as well as the harm that would be caused by simply discarding this hazardous material.

She proposed a simple solution, to produce signs that she would put up in stores directing people to places where these bulbs can be recycled.

The Caring for our Watersheds contest provided Kayla with the funding requested to produce some of these signs.

“I really enjoyed overcoming the challenges that this project presented me with. These included everything from meeting deadlines, to improving my presentation skills. The actual advertising was quite a challenge for me as well, because I had very little experience with that form of art. Another obstacle was avoiding copy protected images; as a result, everything on the posters was self produced. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the independence I had during the entire process. The business aspect of it was also very interesting, and because of this experience I will be pursuing business courses in a post secondary education.”

Ban the Bottle Campaign

2011 Gimli, Manitoba, Canada
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Holly Linklater and Callie McLaughlin from Gimli High School had a simple and very achievable goal to ban water bottles at their school:
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Children’s Activity Book

2011 Ponoka, Alberta, Canada

Caring for our Watersheds Contest Junior High Winners of 2010: Breanne, Jenna and Rachel wanted to tell a story of the importance of a healthy watershed. After researching the Battle River Watershed they decided that to have the greatest impact they should educate young people, which is exactly what they have done.
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Students Share Outreach and Eco-Friendly Car Wash Solution(s) in their Community

2011 Alexandria, Virginia, USA
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When visiting Holmes Run and collecting water quality data, seventh grade science students at Francis Hammond 1 Middle School were concerned that there was foam and trash coming directly out of a drainage pipe into a streamside marsh. After analyzing potential pollution sources, they decided they wanted to address contaminants running off residential streets into the storm drain system.
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Riffle Crossings

2011 Cromer, Manitoba, Canada

Growing up on a cattle farm, situated in a valley with a creek meandering through it, Kendra Elliott is familiar with the idea of livestock crossing through the water. With this, also comes the knowledge of the controversy surrounding the concept of farm animals being allowed in waterways. She proposed a structure called a Riffle crossing that is “positive for the environment, the farmers, and the animals”.

A student at Virden Collegiate, Kendra won first place at the Caring for Watersheds Competition. Her extensive knowledge on the topic and excellent presentation skills made the difference. Working with the West Souris River Conservation District, a plan was established to install a riffle crossing near Cromer, Manitoba. The Conservation District provided the work in kind and the materials and equipment needed was provided through a generous grant of $8000 made possible by Nutrien.

Kendra had a lot to say about her implementation process and experience:

“Actually having the riffle crossing installed almost seems surreal – most school assignments are just hypothetical, but this one came to fruition in a big way. I’m very thankful that Mr. Cochrane got us involved with the CFW program because none of this would have happened without that first step. Messages of how important it is to look after the environment surround us, but something like this makes it all that more real.

This riffle crossing will help improve the health of the Pipestone Creek, downstream to Oak Lake. This beautiful valley and creek is where I’ve grown up – it is home. Hopefully projects like these will help maintain that natural appeal for many future generations to come. Even the riffle crossing adds aesthetic value. The easiest way to explain it is that it’s a happy place – watching and listening as the water tumbles over the rocks.

It makes me proud to know that I was involved in making this happen.”

Project Wake Up

2011 Ponoka, Alberta, Canada

Meghan Rain became interested in environmental issues when a highway was built through an untamed green space where she and the other neighborhood kids would play. She was sad not only because they lost their play area but also because there was a fox den destroyed. She has been determined to help the watershed ever since.

For her Caring for our Watersheds proposal, Meghan focused on the garbage and other pollution entering into the Battle River and other waterways and the impact on the animals.

“Fortunately the water we drink is cleaned and filtered but I can’t say the same for the animals. Animals of all shapes and sizes come to drink in our river; meanwhile pollutants and garbage float around inside of it.”

Meghan wrote a hip and catchy song called “Wake-Up” which educates people about the importance of keeping the waters clean. Meghan recorded the song and has shared it via email with friends, family and with over 100 people at the CFW Final competition.