If you are wondering what all the hoopla is about, be sure to attend the City of Columbia Heights reception and presentation to celebrate its 2021 Adopt-a-Drain Community Challenge Award, Saturday, April 9, 10 a.m., at Columbia Heights Public Library, 3939 Central Ave NE, Columbia Heights.
In 2021, Columbia Heights residents adopted 163 storm water drains, beating out three neighboring communities of Fridley, Blaine, and Andover, according to Engineering Tech and Stormwater Specialist Lauren Letsche.
Overall, the four cities adopted 421 storm drains, reported 896 drain cleanings, and got 161 new adopters to sign up through @AdoptaDrainMN.
“It has also brought awareness to the storm sewer catch basins in the street,” said Letsche. “Keeping them clear can prevent localized flooding of streets during spring snow melt and heavy rain.”
Following Saturday’s reception with coffee and donuts, Letsche will talk about this year’s Adopt-a-Drain Challenge and what residents can do to maintain the health of local waterways.
“We’re looking forward to keeping the momentum going in 2022,” said Letsche, who also hopes to keep the Golden Garbage Grabber Award in Columbia Heights.
People can sign up to participate in the 2022 challenge, which runs through October, by going to the Adopt-a-Drain website, https://mn.adopt-a-drain.org/
What’s involved? Basically, it requires regularly checking your adopted storm drain to be sure that it’s clear of debris, collecting and disposing of whatever is blocking the drain, be it leaves, paper, branches, etc., and reporting your work on the Adopt-a-Drain website.
“By doing so, it prevents pollution from entering our local lakes and rivers as well as preventing flooding of local streets,” said Letsche.
Planning to attend the April 9 event? Seating is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot for this free event at https://anokacounty.libcal.com/event/8885683.
Below: Columbia Heights celebrates winning the Golden Garbage Grabber award for the Adopt-a-Drain challenge. (Provided by the City of Columbia Heights)
