Education & Involvement
Storm Drains Become Canvases for Awareness
August 2009 - Knial Piper and his brother Keaton are at it again, creating another unique painting that helps to educate the public on storm water. 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!
- Program brochure
- Sign up by calling 417.864.1996.
- Stream section available for adoption: Wilsons Creek at Scenic Avenue
- Thank you to our current Adopt-A-Stream volunteers!
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 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
- Rain gardens
- Rain barrels
- Show-Me Yards & Neighborhoods
Additional Resources
- 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.
