The Kennebec Estuary Land Trust invites the public to the Bath Community Storm Drain Stenciling Blitz on Sunday, April 27 from 1 to 4 p.m.

The land trust is partnering with the City of Bath's Keep Bath Beautiful Cleanup Day to keep the city and the nearby Kennebec River clean, vibrant and pollutant-free.

Teams of two to five members can register up to the event day to stencil storm drains with the message "Keep it Clean, Drains to River" throughout downtown Bath. Participants meet at the Bath City Hall parking lot for equipment and training before heading out to paint. This volunteer activity is perfect for families, neighborhood groups, scout troops, service clubs and local businesses to promote a cleaner city and unpolluted waterways.

Storm drain stenciling is a nationally used and fun community-building activity. By painting the friendly "keep it clean" message near storm drains, it serves as a reminder to residents and visitors that what goes down the city's storm drains can end up in the Kennebec River.

Water collected in the storm drain systems, unlike the sanitary wastewater from our homes, is not treated. It is discharged into nearby waterways along with any pollutants it carries. Pollutants like antifreeze, lawn fertilizer, road salt, motor oil, pet waste, cigarette butts, and litter tossed or picked up by rain or snow melt can be carried down a storm drain and end up in the Kennebec River or one of its tributaries.

By stenciling storm drains, participants can remind the community of the inseparable link between Bath's landscape (whether a lawn, parking lot, city street, or sidewalk), and our neighboring river.

Team registration packets and additional information about stenciling can be found at www.kennebecestuary.org/storm-drain-stenciling or at the KELT office (92 Front Street, Bath). Completed team packets and questions can be directed to Becky Kolak at bkolak@kennebecestuary.org or 207-442-8400. The Bath City Hall is located at 55 Front Street. The Davenport Trust Fund and Merrymeeting Bay Trust generously supported the stenciling project.

For the Keep Bath Beautiful Cleanup, City Councilors will provide maps, trash bags, recycling bins, gloves, hand sanitizer and refreshments to volunteers willing to clean up refuse along streets and roadsides throughout the city. Families and volunteer organizations are encouraged to get a group together to participate.

For more information, visit www.kennebecestuary.org or call 207-442-8400.