(well, actually, just the storm drains…)
When the snow melts and the rains fall, everything washes off your lawn and driveway, and then down into the closest storm drain. In Mott Park, these storm drains go directly to the Flint River, instead of a water treatment plant.
That’s why the Flint River Watershed Coalition (FRWC), in partnership with the Genesee County Drain Commissioner, created a Storm Drain Stenciling program. This program organizes volunteers who then paint a stencil near every storm drain in the neighborhood. This stencil says “No Dumping. Drains to River.”
Why do we paint these messages on the drains? Because at some point, we’ve all done it – washed a car in our driveway, dumped unwanted products, fertilized our lawn without testing the soil to see if it actually needed it, or left the doggy doo for “tomorrow.” Helping to keep the Flint River Watershed clean is something healthy you can do to help everyone in our area, and the stencils serve as a colorful reminder to your neighbors.
Stenciling each drain will consist of removing (and bagging) any debris around the drain, placing a stencil near the drain and spray painting the stencil. Can’t be near paint fumes? That’s ok! We also need someone to put hang tags on the door of each house in the neighborhood.
Year round, you can also keep all debris (including leaves) out and away from drains. Your neighbors will also appreciate this it as it keeps our river clean and prevents flooded streets due to clogged drains.
Sound like fun? Storm drain stenciling is coming to our streets! If you are interested in this huge endeavor for our neighborhood, please contact me at 810-820-5731 (please leave a message if no answer), jsimmons@kettering.edu or get with me on Mott Park’s Facebook page.
Stenciling will begin in June!
Julie Simmons