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By Battle River Watersheds Alliance

group ideas to improve watersheds

Local students announced as finalists in Watersheds Contest

Apr 14, 2020 | 11:55 AM

Local students received good news this past week when they were chosen as finalists in the 2020 Caring for our Watersheds competition.

The Battle River Watersheds Alliance, the host of the central Alberta contest, received 118 written proposals from 208 students in March.

The following 10 groups were chosen, with their outstanding project ideas to improve their watershed.

The Caring for our Watersheds program asks students in Grades 7-12 to answer the question “What can you do to improve your watershed?” Students develop a written proposal describing their project idea. Watershed experts and educators judge each proposal and select the top 10 proposals.

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Normally the finalist shares their ideas at a final competition with a 5-minute verbal presentation. This year, the ten groups will be dividing the $6,000 of prizes equally, each receiving a $600 cash prize, and a matching amount for their school! There is also a $10,000 available every year to implement projects.

The program sponsor Nutrien works with local organizations in 10 regions across Canada, the USA, and Argentina to offer this contest.

“The purpose of the contest is simple,” says Lindsey Verhaeghe of Nutrien. “Our goal is to encourage students to learn about their local watershed and be inspired to make improvements to the land, air and water. With community and school support, we have seen the creativity and determination students have for protecting and preserving the environment. It’s inspiring when they turn their ideas into reality.”

“Over the years the community has shown great leadership in mentoring the students and helping them implement their ideas” said Nathalie Olson from the Battle River Watershed Alliance. “I hope to be able to offer funding and support to the make these students’ ideas a reality.”

The Caring for our Watersheds competition is a great fit for project-based learning in both junior and senior high classes, and fits well into the science and social science curriculum. It has supported students from all over the world to take positive actions to help their environment.