Stormwater Awards and Contests

The 2026 Capture It! Arts Contest and Stormwater Smart Award will open for applications January 1, 2026.

Capture It! Arts Contest

How can YOU protect streams and lakes from water pollution using nature-based solutions? Submit a video or artwork to show us! Help us bring awareness to the importance of:

• Keeping Raleigh's waterways healthy.
• Using green stormwater infrastructure, like rain gardens, green roofs, rain barrels and cisterns, and other nature-based practices.

Winners will be recognized at the City's Earth Day Celebration and receive $500!

The contest is open to 8th - 12th grade students who live or attend a school within the Raleigh area or the Extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ).

Instructions

1. Choose whether to create a 60-second video or a drawing/painting.
2. Bring awareness to the community about the need to improve the water quality of Raleigh's streams and lakes
3. Submit your artwork along with the online application (coming soon).

After the application deadline, we will review all projects in both categories to determine the winners. Selected pieces will be featured at the Pullen Arts Center Youth & Teen Gallery and contest winners will be recognized at the Earth Day Event at Dorothea Dix Park!

Stormwater Smart Award

We are launching a new award to recognize the accomplishments and dedication of Raleigh's educators as they advance stormwater education and watershed stewardship both in and out of the classroom. Through innovative projects, place-based curricula, and action-oriented activities, Raleigh educators’ grow students’ understanding and literacy of how human activities and infrastructure impact surrounding communities. Nominations are open to formal and informal educators, peer and self-nominations are welcome and encouraged.

Winners will be recognized at the City's Earth Day Celebration and receive $500!

The award is open to educators who teach within the Raleigh area or the Extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ).

Instructions

1. Choose an educator that demonstrates what it means to be "Stormwater Smart" for their students.
2. Submit your nomination in the online application (coming soon).

Environmental Awards Program

Looking for other ways to get involved? Our contest and award are part of the City of Raleigh Environmental Awards Program, which has more information and other awards and opportunities.

2025 Capture It! Contest Winners

Artwork Winners

Mackenzie Book - Nature's Engineers

Video Winner

Zoleiah Dunn, Audrinna Williams, Cash Williams, Ava MacPherson, Crusoe Wingo-Pierce - How Water Pollution Affects Marine Life

Past Art and Video Winners