WILTON – The storm water management program, overseen by storm water manager Michele Decoteau, requires that all storm drains be marked, advising people to keep them clear of contaminants since they run into the Souhegan River.

But why just stencil them, Community Center member Donna Crane asked. “Anyone can do that.” Instead, she talked to Wilton-Lyndeborough Cooperative Middle/High School art teacher Emily Hall last fall. A group of seniors took on the project, designing and painting murals. Three of them were chosen and were painted around the drains on Friday, April 22, as part of the town and school Earth Day observances.

The project was incorporated into the art curriculum, Hall said, requiring research into each of the animals chosen as well as artistic elements. Each student created a design with a slogan. Those pictures are currently on display in the Wilton Public/Gregg Free Library.

Decoteau said the project has caught the attention of several state agencies and pictures of the works will be sent to them. “They are really excited,” Decoteau said. “How many communities have this kind of community involvement?”

She said she hoped more drains could be done next year.

The whole school system was involved in the Earth Day observances, principal Sarah Edmunds said, picking up trash and planting flowers.

“Working in tandem with the Wilton Community Center roadside cleanup initiative and Sara Spittel, students, teachers and administrators donned vests, grabbed trash bags, and headed out to show appreciation for their communities.”

Middle School students cleaned up around the school. The Middle/High School leadership team donated lilac bushes, day lilies and iris bulbs as part of their school beautification project.

Seniors and members of the National Honor Society helped the Florence Rideout Elementary School students spread “kindness rocks” and remove sticks and stones from the playground.

Fourth and Fifth graders walked to Carnival Hill and picked up trash along the way.

Sophomores and Juniors helped with the clean-up at Lyndeborough Central School as well as along Forest Road.

Many other residents took part as well, picking up trash along town streets and roads. That effort began on April 16 and continues through April 30.