BATH

The Kennebec Estuary Land Trust invites the public to the Bath Community Storm Drain Stenciling Blitz on Saturday, April 20 from 8 a.m. to noon.

Teams of two-to-five members can reregister to stencil storm drains with the message “Keep it Clean, Drains to River” throughout downtown Bath. Participants meet at the Bath Freight Shed Alliance Community Room for equipment and training before heading out to paint. This volunteer activity is perfect for families, neighborhood groups, scout troops, service clubs, and local businesses to promote a cleaner city and unpolluted waterways.

Storm drain stenciling is a nationally-used and fun community-building activity. By painting the friendly “keep it clean” message near storm drains, it serves as a reminder to residents and visitors that what goes down the city’s storm drains can end up in the Kennebec River.

Water collected in the storm drain systems, unlike the sanitary wastewater from our homes, is not treated. It is discharged into nearby waterways along with any pollutants it carries.

Pollutants such as antifreeze, lawn fertilizer, road salt, motor oil, pet waste, cigarette butts, and litter tossed or picked up by rain or snow melt can be carried down a storm drain and end up in the Kennebec River or one of its tributaries.

By stenciling storm drains, participants can remind the community of the inseparable link between Bath’s landscape — whether a lawn, parking lot, city street, or sidewalk — and our neighboring river.

Team registration packets and additional information about stenciling can be found at www.kennebecestuary.org/storm-drain-stenciling or at the KELT office (92 Front St., Bath).

Completed team packets and questions can be directed to Becky Kolak at [email protected] or 442-8400.

The Bath Freight Shed Alliance Community Room is located at 27 Commercial Street in Bath.
Participants are encouraged to visit the Bath Farmer’s Market, located in the Bath Freight Shed, before or after stenciling for fresh local produce and products.

The Davenport Trust Fund generously supported the project. The stenciling kits are graciously sponsored by Wilson’s Drug Store, Brackett’s Market, Wags & Whiskers, and Ornament Home & Garden Store.

The Kennebec Estuary Land Trust is a membership supported organization dedicated to protecting the land, water and wildlife of the Kennebec Estuary.  It holds easements on more than 2,000  acres of private land and maintains eight preserves for public enjoyment. For more information, contact www.kennebecestuary.org or call 442-8400.

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