A Collaborative Effort in Stormwater Education
Our organization has enjoyed a long-standing partnership with River Bend Nature Center (RBNC), which focuses on environmental stewardship and education in our community. For years, we've collaborated to offer youth volunteer opportunities, like storm drain decal applications. We also deliver classroom presentations about stormwater pollution prevention, and this year we introduced a new curriculum called Clean River Rangers. Inspired by the National Park Service’s Junior Ranger Program, students can earn challenge stickers by completing clean water tasks in their neighborhoods. After earning six stickers, they receive a badge at an in-person ceremony.
At the forefront of this partnership are dedicated folks like Evelyn Rosas and Caitlin Juvland, whose contributions have proven invaluable. Evelyn, an Ampact member at RBNC, recently completed the Youth Outdoors Diversity Career Initiative, where she participated in conservation job training with other Somali and Latinx youth. She and her peers logged over 1,200 hours of service, gaining skills while addressing local challenges—such as combating invasive species, earning their Minnesota Master Naturalist Certifications, and mitigating flood damage through trail maintenance.
“Being part of RBNC feels like coming full circle. I grew up here and am now contributing to a place that shaped my childhood,” Evelyn shared.
Her passion was evident during a storm drain decal event in July, where she teamed up with our Community Engagement Coordinator and a group of Somali high school students to apply decals on storm drains. These decals educate the public about the direct connection between storm drains and local waterways.
“I learned that the water flowing into storm drains isn’t treated. It’s alarming to realize how litter and pollutants can harm our aquatic ecosystems,” she reflected.
Evelyn’s hands-on experience empowered her to advocate for clean water, making a tangible impact in her community.
Caitlin Juvland is a Climate Impact Corps member at RBNC and plays a pivotal role in the Clean River Rangers program. In this capacity, she engages with local youth, delivering presentations that educate them about the importance of stormwater pollution prevention and their role in protecting their waterways. Caitlin also grew up near RBNC, going on walks with her family, attending summer camps, and visiting for school field trips; she says it’s even sweeter that her service site is a place she cares so deeply about.
“Through the Clean River Rangers program, I’m able to inspire students to take ownership of their local environment,” Caitlin explains. “My favorite part about delivering classroom presentations is tied between watching students exclaim how much water gets soaked up by sponges — which we tell them represents green space — and handing out the handbook at the end of the session with their first challenge sticker, informing them that they are well on their way to becoming a Clean River Ranger.”
Caitlin’s enthusiasm for conservation shines as she works with students to help them understand the significance of their actions regarding stormwater runoff and pollution.
Our partnership with RBNC creates a wealth of knowledge and diverse perspectives in stormwater education. With the introduction of the Clean River Rangers program, we are expanding our joint educational outreach and actively connecting participants to their local ecosystems. Our collective efforts create a ripple effect, spreading awareness and inspiring more individuals to take action for the health of our waterways.
As this stormwater education initiative continues to flourish, we are reminded of the importance of collaboration and community involvement. Through the hard work of passionate people like Evelyn and Caitlin, we are cultivating a culture of environmental awareness and stewardship. Together, we are redefining how our community engages with stormwater, ensuring a cleaner, healthier environment for future generations. Each decal event and classroom lesson is a step toward a sustainable future, demonstrating the impact we can achieve when we work together.
