The Caring For Our Watersheds contest is a program that asks students in grades 7-12 to submit a proposal that answers the question, “What can you do to improve your watershed?” Students research their local watershed, identify a key environmental concern, and develop a realistic solution-focused project they can implement in their community. Community judges select the top entries to compete at a final, verbal competition for cash prizes.
Finalists have the opportunity to win a cash prize as well as a matching amount for their school.
There is an additional $10,000 available to help all contestants implement their ideas.
Eleven finalists have been selected in this year’s Caring for Our Watersheds: Alberta contest. These students represent schools in Bonnyville, Calgary, Cardston, Edmonton, Lloydminster, Medicine Hat, Okotoks, and Red Deer. They will present their project proposals at the Reynolds-Alberta Museum in Wetaskiwin, Alberta on May 22, 2026.
Finalists | Honourable Mentions
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 5, 2026. All students who enter receive a prize! Submit proposals here.
IMPORTANT: Please watch the Educator Portal Guide and Student Submission Guide videos to learn more about the online portal.
Community judges will mark all proposals using the Content Scoring 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
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!
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