Rain to Runoff: A Stormwater Story is a program from Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) that helps students and community groups learn about the impacts of stormwater in a changing climate.
About The Rain to Runoff Program
Where does the rain go?
When it rains, approximately half of the water soaks into the ground — except in urban areas, where there are more hard, paved surfaces and less natural ground to absorb it.
In these areas, the water becomes stormwater runoff, and collects in our storm sewers and waterways.
As stormwater runoff makes its journey, it picks up litter, road salt, car fluids, and other pollutants. During intense rain events, it can also cause flooding and erosion in both natural and human-built environments.
The following video, designed for children and families, provides a great introduction to Rain to Runoff. Get the accompanying worksheet (for ages 8+).
In-School Rain to Runoff Program:
Peel and York Regions
Rain to Runoff: A Stormwater Story helps students in grades 4-12 understand the impacts of stormwater in a changing climate, and discover how to take action to protect drinking water, wildlife habitat, and more.
The program consists of an in-class presentation, followed by a hands-on activity such as a litter clean-up, microplastics exploration, stream study, or road salt impact assessment.
This free program is currently offered to schools in the Region of Peel and York Region. The program can also be booked in addition to a Watershed on Wheels program.
SELECT & BOOK PROGRAM DATES – PEEL
SELECT & BOOK PROGRAM DATES – YORK
Free Program Resources:
For Schools and Community Groups
Rain to Runoff offers a FREE downloadable program resource kit for teachers and community groups.
This resource kit is designed to enable educators to easily provide curriculum-connected learning opportunities and lead impactful action projects with your group.
The resource kit features:
- A downloadable presentation all about the journey of stormwater in an urban watershed. The presentation comes complete with speaker notes to allow you to present it to your group.
- Program worksheets related to stormwater and urban pollution to enhance participant learning.
- Three action projects designed to provide everything your group needs to take the next step and direct your learning towards community stewardship. These action projects are:
- Downspout Discovery and Rainwater Harvesting
- Litter Clean-up and Waste Audit
- School Campaign and Stream Study
The program resources are suitable for grades 2 through 12.
Please register below to help us effectively track the distribution of these free resources. We ask that you do not share these resources with colleagues but encourage them to sign up for free.
Upon registration you will receive an email with the link to access the resource kit.
Train the Trainer Workshops:
For Schools and Community Groups
Interested in leading a Rain to Runoff workshop and action project for your group, but want to further your own understanding first?
Join one of TRCA’s Train the Trainer workshops! Our instructors will teach you how to use the free program resource kit to engage your group in environmental learning and stewardship.
We’ll lead you through the Rain to Runoff: A Stormwater Story presentation and share tips for how to present it to your own audience.
At the end of the workshop, you’ll have the chance to ask us your questions on program customization, delivery, and in-person stewardship opportunities.
Train the Trainer workshops are offered on demand. To indicate your interest and sign up to be notified when the next workshop is hosted, please contact jasmine.thompson@trca.ca.