The program was sponsored by the St. Johns River Water Management District as part of the fourth annual St. Johns River Celebration. Most people do not realize that the majority of storm drains do not drain into wastewater treatment plants. Instead, the unfiltered water carries debris, motor oil and other pollutants into the river. It helps to promote stewardship and pride in the community. The students who participated in the project were from Jenkins Middle School's Soaring on Success program which is funded by the Department of Juvenile Justice and provides job readiness training.
Active participation is more valuable than just receiving information.
The District worked cooperatively with the city, Jenkins Middle School and Keep Putnam Beautiful to provide this educational opportunity for the students and to bring awareness to the importance of our water resources. The St. Johns River Celebration, a one-day volunteer cleanup of the St. Johns River and its major tributaries is scheduled for Saturday, March 20.