High School Programs

Prize amounts are as follows, with 50% of each amount going to the individual(s) who submitted the video and the remaining 50% to the high school they attend.

• First place: $1,500,
• Second place: $1,000 and
• Third place: $500

Winners will be announced and presented with their awards at a May 2027 Board of Directors meeting, prior to the end of the school year. Final videos may be used by Marin Water for educational outreach efforts and marketing purposes – posted on our website, social media channels, and in customer bill inserts and newsletters.

Marin Water invites high school students to explore and share the knowledge of “Rooted in Place: Native Plants, Native Wisdom,” inspiring their community to discover how California native plants are uniquely adapted to thrive in our local climate. From vibrant wildflowers and towering oaks to pollinator-friendly shrubs and resilient grasses, native plants use less water, support pollinators and other wildlife, and flourish without the need for chemicals or excess care. Create a video tour of a native plant garden, or a creative storytelling piece, to showcase your favorite native species while highlighting the important role these plants play in conserving water, strengthening biodiversity, and building healthy, resilient landscapes. In addition to featuring native plants and their benefits, videos should inspire an appreciation for the natural heritage of Marin County and sustainable gardening practices. 

• Length: Maximum 60 seconds
• Format: MP4, MOV, or similar digital format
• Resolution: 720p (1280×720), 1080p (1920×1080), 4K UHD (3840×2160) or DCI 4K (4096×2160) Codec – H.264 preferred Frame Rate – 24
• Type: All text should be in title safe area
• Credits: Must be student-created; group submissions welcome (up to 5 students)
• Permission: Include any necessary permissions for music, interviews, or locations

All entries must be student-created. The entry may not contain any copyrighted material of any medium (music, images, etc.) and no professional assistance is allowed. Such use will result in an automatic disqualification.

Questions? Please contact us at schoolprogram@marinwater.org.

Looking for inspiration or more information? Use these to get started:

• About the Mt. Tam Watershed
• Watershed Resiliencey
• WaterSmart Gardening Resource Center 
• One Tam 
• California Native Plant Society | Marin Chapter

Need access to video recording and editing equipment? Check out these free resources:

• Community Media Center of Marin (CMCM)
• The Lab with the Marin Library!
  • Free access for library patrons
  • Training is provided to use the equipment

Submitted videos will be judged by District staff, a professional videographer and technical experts based on the following criteria:

• Connection to this year’s theme: The video shares a strikingly unique perspective and/or noteworthy idea(s) related to the theme. Viewer is left deeply engaged and wanting to learn more.
• Creativity and originality: Video is original, creative, and provides a unique, interesting approach.
• Entertainment value: WOW! This video is memorable, hilarious, or remarkable. Video captivates audience.
• Accuracy of the information: All information is clear, appropriate, and correct. Clear evidence of understanding and communicating content. Closing scene contains Marin Water logo and the following text: “For more information, visit www.marinwater.org”
• Composition: Video is well planned with smooth transitions, timing and edits. Sound is balanced and easy to hear. All sound and visual elements coincide with the video’s message.

• Do you explain how California native plants are adapted to Marin’s climate and why they require less water and maintenance than many non-native plants?  
• Does your video show how native plants support pollinators, birds, wildlife, and a healthy, biodiverse ecosystem?  
• Do your images and/or video feature California native plants, native gardens, or natural landscapes within the Marin Water service area? 
• Did you ensure your information is accurate and up to date?
• Is your video entertaining, creative, and original?
• Are the audio and technical construction clear and high quality? (No blurry or pixelated images?)
• Does the closing scene contain the Marin Water logo and website URL?
• Did you clearly label your video file with the last name(s) of the video creator(s)?

2025-26 Winning Entries

– First Place: Jack Buchanan, Marin Academy

– Second Place: Grayson Rothbart, Marin Academy

– Third Place: Michael Maguire, San Domenico