Freshwater Society Contest Now Open

Do you want to reduce urban runoff and pollution that flows into local lakes, creeks and rivers?

Do you have a good idea for how you and your friends and neighbors could work together to clean up soil, grass clippings and leaves from streets and storm drains?

And could you use $500?

Then here is a contest for you: The Freshwater Society is sponsoring a "Work For Water" micro challenge that will award two $500 prizes for the best short-term community projects that protect waters from pollution caused by leaves, grass and soil that wash into streets and, eventually, local waterways.

In addition to the pair of state-wide prizes, a grant from the Little Falls-based Initiative Foundation will provide two additional $500 prizes for the best ideas coming from entrants in the 14 central Minnesota counties the Initiative Foundation serves.

The contest opened Sept. 20, and entries will be accepted until Oct. 11. The winner will be announced Oct. 18. The project must be completed by Nov. 12.

Who can enter? Individuals, church groups, scout troops, service clubs, neighborhood groups, lake associations, school organizations and classrooms.

What kind of project can you suggest? Almost anything that can be accomplished by Nov. 12. Be imaginative and have fun. The main requirement is that the person submitting the entry must be at least 18 years of age.

The Freshwater Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating and inspiring people to value, conserve and protect all water resources. Located in Excelsior, adjacent to Lake Minnetonka, it has a long association with the University of Minnesota.


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