Hosted through CHQ Kids Care and its community partners, Water Warriors Day brought students to Mayville Lakeside Park for a day of learning, service, and action focused on watershed protection. Participants took part in two student-created and student-led initiatives: Adopt-A-Drain and Paint the Lakes. These projects allowed students to mark storm drains, showcase community rain barrels painted by students, and educate the public about how simple actions can help protect Chautauqua Lake and local water resources.

“Water Warriors Day is a perfect example of what can happen when we empower young people to take ownership of their communities and work together toward a common goal. These students didn’t just learn about protecting our waterways; they became leaders, educators, and advocates for one of Chautauqua County’s most valuable natural resources,” said Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel. “I am incredibly proud of the creativity, dedication, and passion they demonstrated throughout this project. Their efforts, combined with the support of our many community partners, are helping build a stronger, cleaner, and more environmentally conscious future for Chautauqua County.”

What began as the Water Guardians Project in Mrs. Bett’s 6th-grade classroom grew into a student-driven effort to share this knowledge with the community through meaningful action, leading to the creation of Water Warriors Day. The event highlighted the connection between stormwater runoff, storm drains, and local waterways, demonstrating that anything entering a storm drain can eventually reach the lake. Through classroom research, students learned that runoff is a contributing factor to declining lake health and identified practical solutions such as installing rain barrels near downspouts and regularly clearing debris from storm drains.

The storm drain marking project was made possible through collaboration among local government agencies, environmental organizations, educators, businesses, and volunteers who share a common goal of protecting our watershed. Thanks to the commitment of Everwild Land Trust, the Village of Mayville, NY Section American Water Works Association, One Water Workforce, the Village of Westfield, NYS DOT, Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel, Chautauqua County Soil and Water Conservation District, Jacobs Engineering, Cummins, Chautauqua Institution, and Wicked Builds, students’ ideas were transformed into reality.

From left, with the Adopt-A-Drain pin, are: Eleanor Pender, Hadley Olson, Ella Yonkers, Oakley Smith, Alexis Parker

Students worked alongside community leaders to mark storm drains with educational messages reminding residents that storm drains lead directly to local waterways. The markings serve as a lasting reminder to properly dispose of waste and help reduce pollution entering the watershed.

The drain-marking event represents Phase One of the Adopt-A-Drain initiative. Phase Two will invite community members to adopt a storm drain through the CHQ Kids Care website, commit to keeping it free of debris, submit cleanup data, and track the collective impact of their efforts. Participants will even have the opportunity to name their adopted drain, creating a fun and meaningful way to stay involved.

Participants emphasized that Water Warriors Day was about more than a single event, it was about inspiring the next generation of leaders. Students want others to learn that protecting water resources begins with simple actions such as reducing litter, planting native vegetation, reporting harmful algae blooms, and educating others about watershed stewardship.

“It’s incredibly inspiring to see these students look at Chautauqua Lake and our watershed, recognize a problem, and decide to do something about it.” Whitney Gleason, Executive Director, Everwild Land Trust. “They didn’t wait for someone else to act, they saw a need in their community and got to work. Their initiative, and the collaboration it has energized, gives me real hope for the future of this region, and it’s exactly the kind of shared stewardship we want to see grow.”

The success of the first Water Warriors Day showcased the power of partnerships between schools, local government, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and community members. Organizers hope to continue expanding CHQ Kids Care and creating additional opportunities for students to learn about water conservation, environmental stewardship, and community service.

“It has been incredibly inspiring to watch these student-led projects come to life and see the enthusiasm and passion each student brings to Water Warriors. Every student contributes a unique gift, whether it’s leadership, problem-solving, artistic talent, or a commitment to service, and together they are creating meaningful change in their community.” Jenny Ingrao-Aman, NY Section American Water Works Association. “I am especially proud of the leadership these young people are demonstrating as they become advocates for safe and clean water and environmental stewardship. They are setting an example not only for Chautauqua County, but for students and communities across New York State.”

As the event concluded, one message was clear: when communities work together and empower young people to lead, small actions can create lasting waves of positive change. “This project showcased the very best of what can happen when our community works together around a common purpose, students, educators, and local leaders working side by side to create meaningful change. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped bring this vision to life, but most of all, we are proud of our students. Their leadership and commitment to service demonstrate the tremendous impact young people can have in shaping the future of our great region.Through collaboration and a shared investment in our amazing community, they have shown that meaningful change begins with simple actions and grows through the collective efforts of people working together,” Superintendent Dr. Josh Liddell said.

For the students who participated, Water Warriors Day was more than a field trip, it was an opportunity to become champions for clean water and caretakers of Chautauqua County’s most valuable natural resources. They want you to remind you to always, “Stay curious, stay caring, and remember that change happens drop by drop.”