News

By Stephanie Cohen, Public Relations Specialist

You’ve probably heard that all drains lead to the ocean. And this is true, so for World Ocean Day on June 8th, volunteers from Save the Manatee Club gathered near Eagles Nest Park, in the MetroWest area of Orlando, to embark on an essential mission: marking storm drains. This initiative took place in and around the Lake Fran Urban Wetlands and along the Shingle Creek watershed, a crucial tributary that ultimately flows into Lake Okeechobee and beyond to the Everglades. Here’s why our efforts matter and how they help safeguard the Florida manatee.

While marking storm drains everywhere is important, this location is unique. MetroWest Orlando is home to the serene Lake Fran Urban Wetlands, a critical habitat for various wildlife species. Nearby, you also have Shingle Creek, which snakes its way through the local urban landscape, forming part of the intricate network that feeds into Lake Okeechobee.

Shingle Creek is known as the “headwaters” of the Everglades, starting in Central Florida and eventually draining into the Kissimmee River, which leads to Lake Okeechobee. From there, water flows south into the Everglades, an extensive and ecologically rich system that includes habitats crucial to the survival of many species, including the Florida manatee.

Manatees are gentle giants that thrive in warm, shallow waters, and they are particularly vulnerable to changes in water quality. Pollutants entering storm drains can find their way into waterways like Shingle Creek, degrading the habitat and health of the water bodies they connect to. These pollutants often include chemicals, trash, and debris that can be harmful to manatees and their food sources, such as seagrasses.

When stormwater drains are unmarked and untreated runoff from urban areas flows unchecked into these waterways, it exacerbates pollution levels. For this particular location, this can lead to the deterioration of water quality in Lake Okeechobee and the Everglades, a known habitat for manatees.

So, for World Ocean Day, thanks to the Storm Drain Marking program by the City of Orlando’s Streets and Stormwater Division, our team of dedicated volunteers took to the streets of MetroWest to label storm drains with markers that read, “Only Rain Down the Drain.” These markers serve as a visual reminder to residents and visitors that anything entering these drains will eventually flow into our precious waterways, impacting wildlife along the way.

The process involved cleaning the area around each drain, applying adhesive, and affixing the markers. This simple yet effective action helps raise awareness about the importance of keeping our stormwater systems free of pollutants. And in under 2 hours, we successfully marked all 33 drains on our map.

This action serves as a powerful reminder that even if you don’t live directly on the water, your choices and actions can profoundly affect manatees and other native wildlife in our interconnected ecosystems.

By marking storm drains, we are taking a proactive step towards reducing the pollutants that enter our water systems. This not only benefits local water quality but also protects the broader ecosystem that Florida’s manatees rely on. As these efforts expand and more communities become aware of the impacts of stormwater pollution, we can collectively make a significant difference in preserving the health of our waterways and the species that depend on them. 

You too can play a role in protecting manatees and their habitat, no matter where you live. Here are a few ways to get involved and make a difference across the country: 

• Reduce Pollutants: Properly dispose of household chemicals, trash, and pet waste. Choose eco-friendly alternatives to harmful pesticides and fertilizers that can wash into storm drains and ultimately affect our waterways. This also includes going Fertilizer-Free for Manatees! You can take our pledge at fertilizerfree.org. 

• Volunteer: Look into your city or county’s storm drain marking program or local environmental groups that focus on cleaning up waterways. Participating in these efforts helps reduce pollution and raises awareness about the importance of protecting water quality. 

• Advocate: Support and advocate for policies and initiatives aimed at improving water quality and protecting critical habitats for manatees and other wildlife. This can include contacting local representatives, supporting environmental organizations, and staying informed about local and national environmental issues. 

By taking these actions, you contribute to the health of our ecosystems and help safeguard the habitats of manatees and countless other species that depend on clean, healthy water. Together, we can ensure that the waters flowing from everywhere remain clean and safe for manatees and other species for generations to come.