Northfield Stormwater Poster Contest is Raising Awareness for Clean Water
Back row, left to right: Council Member Kathleen Holmes, Council Member Brad Ness, Mayor Erica Zweifel, Council Member Chad Beumer, Council Member Jessica Peterson White, Council Member Peter Dahlen, Council Member Davin Sokup. Front row, left to right: Jezzie Voegele, Elise Detert, Willa Rieland, Charlie Rieland, Lucy Strand, Addison Blumhoefer, Odin Meza, Edwin Berg, Franklin Pursell, Lola Wilhelm.
Congratulations to Addison Blumhoefer (Grades 2-3) and Elise Detert (Grades 4-5) for winning first place in the 2025 Northfield Stormwater Pollution Solutions Poster Contest! This year, students from Spring Creek Elementary, Greenvale Park Elementary, Bridgewater Elementary, and Prairie Creek Community School showcased their creativity by submitting 92 engaging posters.
Heron Mahr from Clean River Partners remarked, “Choosing the winning posters was a challenging task, since we received so many strong submissions this year. It’s always inspiring to see how passionate Northfield’s youth are about the environment. Our future is in good hands.”
The winning posters, along with the second and third-place entries from each age group, are on display at Northfield City Hall, located at 801 Washington Street. The Northfield City Council recognized the contest winners during their meeting on Tuesday, May 20.
Understanding Stormwater
Stormwater is the excess water that results from rainfall or the melting of snow and ice, which flows into storm drains throughout urban areas. Unfortunately, stormwater can carry pollutants such as garden fertilizers, pet waste, and various harmful substances like paint and oil directly into our waterways.
These pollutants pose significant risks to the health of the Cannon River and its surrounding ecosystems, highlighting the need for community action and education around stormwater pollution prevention.
Community Efforts to Combat Pollution
The City of Northfield is taking proactive steps to mitigate stormwater pollution by utilizing street sweepers and implementing environmentally friendly practices. However, everyone in the community plays a crucial role in maintaining clean stormwater. There are several straightforward actions individuals can adopt to contribute to cleaner water:
1. Pick Up Litter and Pet Waste: Litter and animal droppings can easily wash into storm drains. Always dispose of them properly.
2. Manage Lawn Care Wisely: Sweep grass clippings and fertilizers back onto your lawn instead of letting them remain on streets, where they can be washed away by rainwater.
3. Plant Native Vegetation: Deep-rooted native plants help absorb rainwater and prevent erosion, which can reduce runoff and pollutants entering the waterways.
4. Install Rain Barrels or Rain Gardens: These features can capture and absorb rainwater, reducing the amount that flows into storm drains.
Get Involved!
To learn more about reducing stormwater pollution and how you can help, visit the websites of the City of Northfield and Clean River Partners. Engagement in community initiatives, such as the poster contest, not only fosters creativity in students but also reinforces the importance of environmental stewardship. By working together, we can ensure that the Cannon River stays clean and healthy for future generations.
2025 Poster Contest Winners (click here to see poster art)
Grade 2-3 Students
1st place: Addison Blumhoefer, Bridgewater Elementary
2nd place: Charlie Rieland, Spring Creek Elementary
3rd place: Lucy Strand, Spring Creek Elementary
Honorable mentions:
Evan Estrella Hamp, Greenvale Park Elementary
Grayson Davis, Spring Creek Elementary
Grade 4-5 Students
1st place: Elise Detert, Spring Creek Elementary
2nd place: Lola Wilhelm, Spring Creek Elementary
3rd place: Edwin Berg, Odin Meza, and Franklin Pursell, Spring Creek Elementary
Honorable mentions:
Jezzie Voegele, Spring Creek Elementary
Willa Rieland, Spring Creek Elementary
