DeSoto County launches Stormwater Awareness Week with new children’s book
Photo: DeSoto County Supervisors President Mark Gardner reads to first graders. (Credit: DeSoto County Government on Facebook)
HERNANDO, Miss. (Sept. 23, 2025) — Nearly 2,300 first graders in the DeSoto County School District are learning about the importance of clean water this week through Shellby’s Stormwater Adventure, a new children’s book written and created by DeSoto County leaders.
Stormwater Awareness Week kicked off Monday as county supervisors, mayors, lawmakers, and city and county employees began visiting classrooms to read the book and lead hands-on learning activities. Each first grader will take home a copy of the book, a Build-Carl-the-Culvert craft kit, and a stormwater hero pledge sticker.
The story, sponsored by the DeSoto County Stormwater Committee, follows Shellby the Turtle and Splash the Raindrop as they journey across the county. Along the way, children learn how rain becomes stormwater, traveling from rooftops and driveways through ditches, culverts, and creeks, eventually reaching the Mississippi River. The book emphasizes how protecting water quality benefits families, farms, and wildlife.
“This book makes stormwater simple and fun to understand,” said Supervisor Lee Caldwell. “By teaching our youngest students why clean water is important, we’re not just protecting our environment today — we’re raising a generation that will care for DeSoto County’s future.”
Other community leaders reading this week include Supervisors Mark Gardner and Ray Denison, Hernando Mayor Chip Johnson, Walls Mayor Keidron Henderson, Olive Branch Alderwoman Pat Hamilton, and Mississippi state Reps. Rodney Hall and Kimberly Remak.
The project began when Caldwell suggested developing a locally written book after struggling to find one that was engaging and age-appropriate. She worked with Community Resource Director Christie Barclay and Education Specialist Amie Holder to develop the storyline, while Barclay also created illustrations and classroom activities.
Supervisor Gardner said the lessons extend beyond the classroom: “When a child goes home excited about being a stormwater hero, that message reaches the whole family. That’s powerful.”
Supervisor Denison added a personal touch: “My grandkids love this book. If it can get them excited about protecting water, I know it’s going to connect with first graders all across the county.”
Photos and updates from Stormwater Awareness Week are being shared on the DeSoto County Government website and social media channels.
For more information, visit the DeSoto County Government Facebook page.
