Woodbury Council discusses community storm drain marking program
The Woodbury City Council heard testimony about its Community Environmental Stewardship Program, which engages residents—especially young people—in cleaning and marking storm drains to prevent pollution from reaching local lakes.
During the July 8 meeting, council members and community members discussed the "Adopt a Drain" initiative, a program designed to educate the public about how storm drains connect directly to lakes and other water bodies. The program addresses a critical environmental problem: when people unknowingly dump trash or other materials into storm drains, the pollution flows directly into local waterways, harming ecosystems.
Participants described the program as both educational and practical. Volunteers clean storm drains in designated areas provided by the City of Woodbury and mark them with special labels to raise awareness. The city distributes "Adopt a Drain" flyers to encourage participation. One parent explained the appeal: "I like to keep my kids engaged in the community. So, I reached out to City of Woodbury and I was very fortunate to get in touch with Ben and I said, 'Hey, Ben, you know, I'd like to have something for my kids to get engaged and involved.'" Another participant emphasized the environmental stakes: "People should know about storm drains because if you people don't know about them, they could just like dump like random things in the storm drains. It'll go into the lakes and like cause pollution which is really bad for the environments."
Speakers highlighted the program's value for youth development and summer activities. One resident called it "a great program" that gets "kids out especially summer time" while being "a fun program." Participants also noted personal growth, with one volunteer saying: "I've learned to be aware of the environment and encourage others to participate more responsibly. It's a really fun program and you get to learn a lot from it and help the environment at the same time."
No formal vote was taken during this segment, which was structured as a discussion and testimonial. The council heard about progress on covering designated areas and the program's flexible, community-driven approach to environmental stewardship.
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Votes (1)
Community Environmental Stewardship Program: Storm Drain Marking
The discussion centered on the 'storm drain marking' program, its purpose of preventing pollution, and encouraging community involvement. Participants detailed the practical steps of cleaning and marking drains, distributing educational materials ('adopt a drain' flyers), and the positive impact on youth development and environmental awareness. The program is described as flexible and enjoyable, with progress noted on covering designated areas provided by the City of Woodbury.
Notable Quotes (4)
I like to keep my kids engaged in the community. So, I reached out to City of Woodbury and I was very fortunate to get in touch with Ben and I said, 'Hey, Ben, you know, I'd like to have something for my kids to get engaged and involved for kids.'
people should know about storm drains cuz if you people don't know about them, they could just like dump like random things in the storm drains. It'll go into the lakes and like cause pollution which is really bad for the environments.
I think it's a great program. You know this should not waste the time and get kids out especially summer time. It's a fun program.
I've learned to be aware of the environment and encourage others to participate more responsibly it's a really fun program and you get to learn a lot from it and help the environment in at the same time.
Ordinances & Resolutions (2)
Educational material distributed to residents to encourage participation in keeping storm drains clean.
A map provided by the City of Woodbury to volunteers, indicating areas for storm drain marking.
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