The challenge: The White Bear Lake Conservation District challenges its five member communities to more than double the number of adopted drains by the end of October 2022. No prizes will be given, but our shared reward will be cleaner water and improved drainage on our streets. Results of our challenge will be announced at the WBLCD board meeting on November 15, 2022.
Why adopt a drain? Storm drains flow directly to local lakes, rivers, and wetlands, acting as a conduit for trash, salt, and organic pollutants. The Adopt-a-Drain program gives residents the opportunity to improve water quality by adopting a storm drain in their neighborhood and keeping it clear of leaves, trash, and other debris to reduce water pollution. Volunteer fifteen minutes, twice a month, for cleaner waterways and healthier communities!
How do I volunteer? Go to mn.adopt-a-drain.org. There you will find instructions, and when you click on “Adopt a Drain,” a map of known drain locations will be displayed. Not all drains are shown on the map, but you can add missing drains.
How are we doing? We could do a lot better. The program has been around for several years, but in the five communities surrounding White Bear Lake, less than ten percent of known drains have been adopted. We can do more to protect White Bear Lake and local watersheds!
WBLCD Adopt-A-Drain Challenge Flyer (PDF)