Phantom Sidewalk Messages Spotted In Fairfax

FAIRFAX, VA—One minute, they're not there. The next minute, whoa. They're there! And they only appear when it rains. Such phantom sidewalk messages have been spotted in the city of late but only along a stretch at 3705 Lee Highway. Turns out that's the site of Daniels Run Elementary School, and the culprits happen to be the students.

They're part of the "Write as Rain" campaign, one designed to heighten awareness about storm water runoff that gets into local streams, rivers and eventually the Chesapeake Bay.

The messages are created with environmentally safe, invisible spray and stencils. They include such slogans as: "Your River Starts Here," "Dump No Waste," and "Be the Solution to Stormwater Pollution." They're accompanied by images of native fish and the domain OnlyRain.org—part of Clean Water Partners (CWP).

Here's more, from the City of Fairfax:

Easy steps to reduce stormwater pollution include:

• Properly disposing of litter, pet waste and hazardous waste
• Clean yard practices such as testing and composting soil, fertilizing only in the fall, and planting native plants

These easy steps ensure that local waterways used for drinking water, fishing, and outdoor activities stay healthy and available for Northern Virginians. They also ensure a healthy aquatic life, which helps local nature habitats thrive.

Local jurisdictions participating in the “Write as Rain” campaign include Arlington, Alexandria, Falls Church, Fairfax County, and Leesburg. George Mason University also is participating.

Image via City of Fairfax