Education & Involvement
Storm Drain Reveal
Local artists painted 10 storm drain murals in downtown Springfield. Visit James River Basin Partnership to learn more.
The project was inspired in part by murals completed by Knial and Keaton Piper. Read more.
Valley Water Mill Signage
Watershed Committee of the Ozarks (WCO) has created a series of signage for the various learning stations and storm water best management practice (BMP) demos at Valley Water Mill. Each sign can be viewed on WCO's website. And be sure and make it out to Valley Water Mill to check out the progress!
"What Goes Down Does Come Around"
This education campaign focuses on four key messages.
- Fertilize responsibly
- Report storm drain pollution
- Recycle household chemicals
- Recycle used motor oil
Adopt-A-Stream Program
Help keep our streams clean!
Storm Drain Marking
Help educate the public by applying storm drain markers with the message "Keep It Clean, Drains to Waterways". To sign up, call James River Basin Partnership at 417.836.8878.
Also check out the City's new storm drain manhole cover (at the top right of this page) which is now used on all new storm drains throughout the City. Read about the Storm Drain Manhole Cover Design Contest (pdf 1mb)
Stream Signs
Stream signs have been installed at 27 locations on Galloway, Jordan, Wilsons, Fassnight and South Creeks and Ward Branch.
We want to encourage the public to recognize that our urban streams are a valuable water resource providing natural habitat and recreational opportunities for our community to enjoy.
- Todd Wagner, Principal Storm Water Engineer
Show-Me Yards & Neighborhoods Program
The SMY&N program provides environmentally responsible yardcare information and recognizes individuals and professionals who utilize these practices.
Educational Materials
To request free quantities of the following materials please call 417.864.1996. Printed materials on other water quality and environmental topics including environmentally-friendly yardcare, recycling, composting, and others are also available free.
- What Goes Down Does Come Around brochure
- Watershed Address Map (3.11mb) - This map is part of the What Goes Down Does Come Around brochure, but can also be used in "watershed address" classroom activities such as those found at the Bryant Watershed Education Project.
- Storm Water Crossword Puzzle
- Jordan Creek Story of an Urban Stream - A 20 page book with photos on the history of Jordan Creek and efforts to restore it. Written by Loring Bullard, Executive Director of the Watershed Committee of the Ozarks.
- Rain gardens
- Rain barrels
- Show-Me Yards & Neighborhoods
Presentations
- Stormwater Program Presentation - Springfield Environmental Summit July 14, 2011 (large powerpoint file 54mb)
- Opportunties for Natural Systems and Habitat in Urban Storm Water Management - Presented to Master Naturalist Class 10-24-09 (pdf 12mb)
- Storm Water powerpoint presentation - City Council Luncheon July 7, 2009 (pdf 13.4mb)
Additional Resources
- I Heart Soil - Check out these 30-second videos about the importance of soil for water, food, and human health.
- Karst in the Ozarks - An educational video about caves, springs, losing streams, and sinkholes
- The Life of Water - An educational video about the water cycle and water protection produced by the Environmental Task Force of Jasper and Newton Counties
- Community Resource Guide for Springfield/Greene County (pdf) - This guide provides information on local organizations and facilities that offer educational tours on a variety of subjects, including water quality.
- Directory of Programs in Environmental/Conservation Education for Springfield/Greene County (529k)
- EPA's Storm Water Month Outreach Materials
- EPA's Nonpoint Source Pollution Program - This site has alot of useful information and materials including a Kid's Page and Information for Students/Educators.
Local Organizations and Programs
The following organizations and programs provide education on water quality and environmental issues in the region.
