The Caring For Our Watersheds contest is a program that asks students to submit a proposal that answers the question, “What can you do to improve your watershed?” Students must research their local watershed, identify an environmental concern and draft a written proposal containing one realistic solution. Community judges select the top entries to compete at a final, verbal competition for cash prizes.
Students in grades 7 to 12, YOU are invited to enter this contest by telling us what you could do to improve your watershed. If chosen as one of the top 10 entries by our community judges, YOU could WIN up to $1,000 for yourself and your school/club!
The top ten finalists in the Caring for Our Watersheds contest have been selected and will be showcasing their creative ideas for environmental initiatives at the final competition which will take place at the Reynolds-Alberta Museum in Wetaskiwin, Alberta on May 9th. Thank you to all the students, teachers, and volunteers who took part in this year’s Caring for Our Watersheds Alberta contest.
A Watershed Ambassador can stream in to your class or club for a presentation on your local watershed and the Caring for Our Watersheds (CFW) contest (optional). If you want to enter on your own rather than as part of a class or club, that’s OK, too! We can help you individually.
Prepare your 1,000-word proposal, answering the question “What can I do to improve my watershed?” working individually or in a team of up to four people. There are resources to help listed below.
Submit your proposal before March 12, 2025. All students who enter receive a prize! Submit proposals here.
IMPORTANT: Submission portal and format has changed for 2025. Please see Educator Guide.
Community judges will mark all proposals using the Content Judging Guide and will provide feedback. The 10 proposals with the highest marks will be invited to compete in the Final Competition and Award Ceremony!
Students with the top 10 proposals will prepare a five-minute verbal presentation on their idea to send in to the Final Competition Judging panel and Award Ceremony. Every student at the Finals wins a cash reward ranging from $300 to $1,000. Cheques to students and schools or registered clubs will be sent out immediately.
Everyone who entered the contest is eligible for up to $1,000 of matching funding to implement their idea! Mentorship is available.
Caring For Our Watersheds Educator Guide
Caring For Our Watersheds Student Guide
Student Guide to Successful Proposal Writing
Proposal Content Judging Guide
CFW Student Workbook Print 2024
In 2011, Agrium (now Nutrien) was honoured to win an Emerald Award for the Caring for our Watersheds Contest! If you are not familiar with the Emerald Awards, they are the Oscars for Environmental Action in Alberta. The contest has continued to win awards across Canada and the United States!
Sign up for a free class presentation:
Request a Presentation Today