The MTSU Stormwater Program got a helping hand from several student volunteers Oct. 12 to help protect the water supplies on campus during a cleanup event on campus.

The cleanup took place near the detention ponds along Rutherford Boulevard on the east side of the MTSU campus as well as a few locations toward the campus interior. Participating students donned old shoes and boots with socks and long pants on a day that started rather chilly but warmed up nicely.

At left, MTSU senior Ronni Cantrell, a child development and family studies major from Knoxville, Tenn., was among the student volunteers who participated in the Oct. 19 campus cleanup event coordinated by the MTSU Stormwater Program. At right is Amanda Sherlin, a staffer with the Stormwater Program. (MTSU photo by Jimmy Hart)

MTSU senior Ronni Cantrell, a child development and family studies major from Knoxville, Tenn., was among about 40 student volunteers who cleaned up the grassy areas around the detention ponds that collect the campus’ stormwater runoff.

Cantrell said earning class credit motivated her to participate in such a cleanup for the first time, but noted that giving time with fellow students to keep the campus looking nice “feels good” and that she “would do it again.”

Stormwater Program staffer Amanda Sherlin signed students up and provided them with garbage backs, buckets and other supplies needed to collect the trash. Sherlin, who said she truly appreciates the students’ help, added that a group of students from the MTSU men’s tennis team as well as the Saudi Student Association were among those volunteering.

The MTSU Stormwater Program strives to raise awareness about the importance of water quality and to reduce the amount of pollutants that flow into the water supply through runoff.

For more information or questions about these events, contact Sherlin at 615-904-8575, by email at Amanda.Sherlin@mtsu.edu or visit the website www.mtsu.edu/stormwater.

— Jimmy Hart (jimmy.hart@mtsu.edu)

Amanda Sherlin, right, a staffer with the Stormwater Program, signs in students participating in the Oct. 19 campus cleanup event coordinated by the MTSU Stormwater Program. (MTSU photo by Jimmy Hart)