Rewarding Southern Albertan Students for Innovative Stewardship Ideas

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - Jan. 14, 2014) - Students interested in the air they breathe, the water they drink and the land they live on will be keen on entering the 2014 Caring for our Watersheds(TM) contest.

Geared for grade 7 to 12 students, individuals interested in the environment can submit their ideas to the Caring for our Watersheds program for a chance to win $1,000 for themselves and $1,000 for their school or club. Over $15,000 in cash awards are up for grabs plus an additional $10,000 in funding is also available to help implement contest ideas.

Last year Hanna Stoddart and Halie Ferguson from St. Basil School in Calgary were awarded the top prize for their solution to eradicate didymo from the Bow River, an invasive organism that forms on the bottoms of rivers and streams and destroys fish habitat and food sources.

Agrium Inc. AGUAGU and the City of Calgary are proud to bring this international competition to Southern Alberta. "Through the years students have provided viable answers to the question-What can you do to improve your watershed?" explains Lindsey Metheral, Agrium Program Advisor. "It is apparent how much future generations care about watersheds, their world and their place in it."

"The creativity this contest affords students is beneficial for our environment and the communities we serve," says Jennifer Makar, City of Calgary. "Anytime we can engage and involve our younger generation in environmental conversation benefits us all. Youth are actively seeking ways to make our communities sustainable for future generations and we are here to help them."

The entry deadline for students living in Alberta, south of and including Calgary is March 18, 2014. The top 10 finalists will be judged by the community and rewarded for their efforts. Contest winners will be announced on April 26, 2014.

For more information please visit www.CaringForOurWatersheds.com or contact The City of Calgary media line at 403-828-2954 to schedule a media interview.

About Agrium:

Agrium Inc. is a major retail supplier of agricultural products and services in Australia and North and South America and a leading global producer and marketer of agricultural nutrients and industrial products. Agrium produces and markets three primary groups of nutrients: nitrogen, phosphate and potash as well as controlled release fertilizers and micronutrients. Agrium's strategy is to grow through incremental expansion of its existing operations and acquisitions as well as the development, commercialization and marketing of new products and international opportunities. Contact us at: www.agrium.com.

About City of Calgary - Ralph Klein Park

The City of Calgary Parks believes environmental education is a lifelong learning process and offers school programs that promote awareness and encourage students to develop an appreciation of the natural world. Parks offers several school programs at Ralph Klein Park, which features a man-made wetland that uses natural vegetation to treat stormwater before it is discharged into the Bow River. This state-of-the-art facility emphasizes sustainability and stewardship for a healthy future. Contact us at: calgary.ca/rkp

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
The City of Calgary media line
403-828-2954
media.relations@calgary.ca


Agrium Inc.
Lindsey Metheral
Program Advisor
403-225-7782
lindsey.metheral@agrium.com