About the Program
The CARING FOR OUR WATERSHEDS program is an environmental educational competition that encourages creativity and rewards students for the solutions they identify. CARING FOR OUR WATERSHEDS partners with communities to create focused solutions to local watershed issues.
Our History
2007 - The CARING FOR OUR WATERSHEDS program began in Alberta, Canada with students who live within the Battle River Watershed.
2009 - After a successful three year pilot, the program is ready to expand. The goal is to offer the program in North America, South America, China and potentially in Europe.
2010 - 5 contests are launched in Central Alberta, Southern Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Colorado.
Each year Agrium invites students to submit proposals that answer the question: "What can you do to improve your watershed?" The program rewards the students and the schools who submit the most creative, thought-provoking and innovative ideas.
Volunteers
The success of the CARING FOR OUR WATERSHEDS program relies on local residents who want to make a positive difference in their community. Tasks and assignments come in all skill levels and time commitments - and range from classroom speakers to individuals who help set up the winning exhibits.
If you can help local students make a positive difference in your community, click here.
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Industry Action
Agrium Inc. is proud to announce a US$1 million donation to the Ducks Unlimited Canada Legacy Wetland Restoration Program.
Agrium asked themselves the same question that students are asked to answer: What can you do to improve your watershed?
As a leading manufacturer of plant nutrients, Agrium supports nutrient stewardship and Best Management Practices. This means nutrients are applied in the right amount, right place, right time and right product (read more about Sustainable Agriculture Practices here). Working with growers, Agrium teaches them how nutrients can be best applied to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and losses to water.
When Best Management Practices are not followed, excess nutrients can enter the waterways. Excess nutrients in waterways can lead to increased algae and plant growth, which can decrease the water oxygen levels and can potentially harm water species.
The research - wetlands filter nutrients before they enter major lakes and rivers.
The concern - years of activities on the land (such as land development, agriculture and recreation) has destroyed, removed or altered the natural state of wetlands.
The solution - restore the wetlands so the natural process of filtration can occur once again!
Implementation
Between 2009 and 2012, Agrium is donating US$250,000 a year to restore and conserve wetlands.
Agrium's donation will be used to purchase habitat in DUC's waterfowl target areas across Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The wetlands and uplands will then be restored, and a conservation easement will be placed on the habitat to protect it forever. Conservation easements stay with the land, regardless of who owns it. The land, once restored and protected, will be resold. Revenues from the sale of the land will be reinvested into a new purchase and the entire process will begin again - creating a legacy of wetland restoration projects.
We all have to be doing more. In today's environment, compliance is not enough. We look for ways in which we can grow responsibly by protecting the environment as we manage the rest of our business, explains Mike Wilson President and Chief Executive Officer of Agrium Inc. We work in partnership with organizations like DUC to maximize the potential of existing assets that contribute to environmental well-being.
DUC and Agrium are currently looking at purchasing land for the first Wetland Restoration project. Stay tuned for periodic updates on this "million-dollar" wetland restoration program.
Our mission:
Instilling environmental awareness and stewardship among the next generation to improve the quality of the watersheds within our communities.