Stream of Dreams: a nationwide program

 

Why are there painted schools of fish on many school fences? This is a question on the lips of many living in not only Ontario but also in BC and Alberta. Most folk in these provinces have not heard of the "Stream of Dreams" program nor noticed the painted fish, for that matter.

It was 2001 when hundreds of painted fish began appearing on school fences thanks to the Stream Of Dreams non-profit. The fish symbolize the importance of the world's water in supporting life. 

 

School kids paint fish for display and do research to understand how water gets polluted. They learn even washing the family car at home can send dirty, oil-laden water down storm drains. And water running off lawns may be contaminated with fertilizer, herbicides and pesticides.

 

The fish are painted blue on the side facing the fence. It is odd to say but the blue fish silhouettes are easier to read as fish when seen from any distance.