Turning ideas . . .

into environmental solutions.

Caring for Our Watersheds challenges students to submit the most creative, thought-provoking, and innovative ideas to improve their watershed.

And...provides funding that supports putting their ideas into action.

And…provides funding that supports putting their ideas into action.

How does it work?

“What can you do to improve your watershed?”

Classrooms are asked to design and submit action project proposals that answer the question: “What can you do to improve your watershed?”

Open to Middle & High School classrooms in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed

Educators are eligible to receive professional development and support from Earth Force and its partners.

Win Money to Create Change

Classrooms compete for $6,000. Participating schools and clubs are eligible for $10,000. Implementation funding is available for $10,000.

Need more info? Drop Into Office Hours This Spring!

Get 1:1 support and learn how to join in for the 22-23 school year. Every Wednesday in February - pick the date that works for you!

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Ready to Submit Your Action Plan?

Congratulations! The rolling deadline closes Friday, March 3rd. Finalists and budget approvals will be notified by email by March 10th, 2023. For assistance, please contact Sarah Jennings: [email protected]

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Important Dates

Nov. 4, 2022 - March 3, 2023

ACTION PLAN DEADLINES

Rolling deadlines to submit the action plan and get feedback. Submit early to get feedback! High School and Middle School (5th grade can be considered) of groups of 10 or more will submit the goal and strategies for an innovative, realistic solution to how students want to improve their watershed. 10 finalists are selected by community experts and announced 3/10/23. All proposals can apply for implementation funding after the announcement, with priority of funding for finalists.

April 24-28, 2023

ACTION STORIES DEADLINE

Five minute action story presentations are judged by a panel of community experts virtually and recorded to be shown at the finals. Stories are judged on innovation, environmental impact, comprehensive scope & research, communication, budget, visuals, and overall community impact of the action. Students are highly encouraged to ask for change to stakeholders and work in youth-adult partnerships with community partners to amplify their work. Students should be far along with implementing their action at this point, if not finished.

May 11, 2023

VIRTUAL FINALS CEREMONY AND ACTION SHOWCASE

The top 10 Environmental Civic Action Stories are announced for the final competition for prize money ranging from $300 to $1,000. Student groups take part in a reflection panel. All non-finalist action stories are showcased and voted on for a People's Choice Award for $200 prize money.

Interested in Volunteering?

Volunteers can work directly with students and educators as a classroom presenter, mentor, or a project judge!

Volunteers will:

Build youth-adult partnerships with the next generation of changemakers
Learn about students’ innovative project ideas and provide input to strengthen their ask for a change
Receive a stipend for participation

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Download the SY 22-23 Chesapeake Bay Caring for Our Watersheds Toolkit now to get started!

The program is a project of Nutrien in partnership with nonprofit organizations around the world. Earth Force is proud to be the host of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Caring for Our Watersheds.