We’re Drain Stormers
We are partnering with Clean Drains Fort Wayne, an initiative started by Friends of the Rivers & City Utilities, to make sure the storm drains in our neighborhood remain free from pollutants as they carry rain water to our rivers. As part of this effort, all 176 of the storm drains in our neighborhood need new permanent medallions affixed to them, but we can’t do it without your help!
We need a team of at least 12 individuals who have been looking for ways to engage with and serve our community to join us!
Your volunteer tasks would be:
Remove any trash, debris or weeds from the storm drain.
Install medallion on storm drain in accordance with Friends of the Rivers & City Utilities directions
You will be provided with:
A lawn bag for your trash and debris
A map of the drains you are responsible for
Installation directions & Medallions
If you are interested in this sort of community stewardship please sign up to be responsible for a section of drains!
Here is a listing of the maps provided to us by City Utilities. These maps will be refined to make sure there is no overlap but they’ll give you a general idea of the area you’d be covering. Each red square represents a rain water storm drain. The medallions are currently on backorder, but when they arrive we’d get straight to work.
Crestwood Drive | Foster Parkway & Branning Ave | Beaver Ave | Beaver Ave & Prange Dr | Indiana Ave & Maplegrove Ave | Lexington Ave & Clermont Dr | Pasadena Dr, Tacoma Ave & Sherwood Terr | Pettit Ave & Arlington Ave | Southwood Ave & Pettit Ave | Sherwood Terrace & Crestwood Dr | Sherwood Terr & Arlington Ave | Stratford Red & Westover Rd | Overall Map
As part of this initiative, we are encouraging residents to decorate an identified drain (see the maps above) with approved chalk paint or a sidewalk chalk drawing. Not only will this raise awareness for all of the stormwater drains in our neighborhood, but it also gives you a chance to show off your art skills! Once your drain artwork is complete, send us a photo no later than September 15, 2021! These photos will be on display during the Be River SmART Fest on September 26, 2021 at Promenade Park .
If you’re not able to sign up for placing drain medallions, you can join us in keeping our rivers clean in other ways!
Keep a tight lid on trash cans and recycling bins, especially on windy days.
Follow City of Fort Wayne guidelines on disposal and don’t rake leaves into the street.
Don’t blow lawn clippings into the street. Direct them onto your property so they can be added to your compost bin or bag them for pickup in accordance with City of Fort Wayne policy.
Limit use of sand and salt on your driveway and walkways. Sweep up residual sand once snow and ice has melted, so sediment doesn’t end up in the river.
Pick-up after your dog! Storm water will pick up waste and wash it into the storm drain and nearby streams. Pet waste contains harmful bacteria that impact stream wildlife and our water quality.
Limit fertilizer, pesticide, and herbicide applications on your lawn and curbside.
Do not wash your car at home.
It is illegal to allow pollutants to flow into a storm drain. If you see someone dumping pollutants, report it to City of Fort Wayne at 311 or 260-427-8311.
Thank you so much for keeping Historic Southwood Park a beautiful and healthy place to live!
