By Jane Bartnett
In mid-March, students from the Out-of-Door-Academy’s lower school, Siesta Key campus, took part in Sarasota County’s Storm Drain Marking Program, along with members of the Grand Canal Regeneration Project.
Under the direction of Sarasota County’s Stormwater Management coordinator, Cayla Quinn, the students installed colorful medallions on storm drains throughout Siesta Key Village. The decals are meant to remind everyone that pollutants that enter storm gutters and drains lead to the pollution of our rivers, creeks, estuaries and the bay.
Last fall, the Out-of-Door-Academy held an art competition among lower school students who submitted designs for the decals. ODA upper school students served as judges and chose three designs that were made into medallions by the county. The medallion read, “no dumping, drains to waterway.”
Artwork designed by 5th grader Juliet Bradley, 6th grader Gray Glassman and 8th grade student Hartley Hodges were chosen for the medallions.
The Grand Canal Regeneration Project is a volunteer effort whose goal is to ensure the well-being of Siesta Key’s nine-mile long and 89-acre canal. An enclosed waterway with only one entrance and one exit, it is greatly impacted by stormwater runoffs from storm gutters and drains, such as those that the students marked with decals. Jean Cannon, Director of the Grand Canal Regeneration Project, thanked the students for their dedication and commitment.
“We thank the children and our friends at ODA. Everyone needs to remember that only rain belongs in storm drains,” said Cannon.
To keep pollutants out of storm drains, Sarasota County offers these tips:
Drop off unused oil, paint, and household chemicals at a recycling center.
Fertilize only when necessary and use slow-release fertilizers.
Recycle yard waste as compost.
Pick up pet waste.
Volunteers interested in placing storm drain markers in neighborhoods around Sarasota County are asked to call the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 and ask for the Storm Drain Marketing Program.
