In 2005 PHS received a grant from the Nebraska Environmental Trust to help small communities in the district (population 4,000 or less) protect their waterways. Through "Down the Storm Drain", PHS engaged local youth organizations to increase awareness about the storm water cycle and take action to reduce water pollution through storm drains. Groups participated in a hands-on workshop, and then set out to mark drains and provide neighbors with information on how they can get involved in protecting local water quality.

The following communities participated:

Fillmore - Exeter, Fairmont, Geneva, Shickley

Gage - Wymore

Jefferson - Plymouth

Saline - Dewitt, Dorchester, Friend, Tobias, Western, Wilber

Thayer - Deshler, Hebron

* 150 volunteers took part in this project, and marked more than 1250 storm drains *

Volunteers had the following to say about what they learned about water quality:

"hard work pays off"

"fertilizer pollutes the water table"

"how the runoff has changed over the years"

"different kinds of pollution, how to stop it"

"that we need to take care of our environment"

"that storm drains drain into rivers"

And what they like best about the project:

"walking around with friends"

"when the storm came and showed us all the pollution [on the interactive display]"

"I could help the environment"

"we got to be with friends and do an activity for the community"

"hands on for participants"

"showed how important our land is"