LEXINGTON, Ky., — The University of Kentucky’s Environmental and Natural Resource Issues task force needed an innovative design that would encourage Fayette County pet owners to clean up after their pets. Megan Andrews, a student from the College of Fine Arts came through. Her logo, which urges folks to “bag the doo and protect our waterways,” won the $500 first prize in the student competition.

John Schulz of the College of Engineering won first runner-up and $200. Vanessa Liberato, also of the College of Fine Arts, took home the $100 People’s Choice Award. Student contestants from eight UK colleges submitted entries.

The contest kicks off a yearlong campaign to inform Fayette County residents about the damage done by neglected pet waste. In many urban areas, stormwater carries canine waste directly into creeks and streams. As fecal matter breaks down, it releases pathogens and excess nutrients, such as phosphorous, into the water. That’s not good for stream health or human health. In densely populated urban areas, dog waste is among the leading sources of these contaminants.

A team of graphic design professionals ranked logo entries for relevance, longevity, creativity and versatility. They selected the top three designs based on stakeholder and public input. Andrews’s design will brand educational materials and other products and help spread the word about this important issue.

“We want to thank all the participants who took the time to share their design talents and submit an entry, as well as the faculty who encouraged their students to participate,” said Suzette Walling of the Environmental and Natural Resource Issues task force. “We are also grateful to the Student Sustainability Council, for providing funding for the first-place award, the UK Department of Plant and Soil Sciences for sponsoring the first runner-up and People’s Choice awards and our contest judges who took time out of their busy days to provide valuable insight.”

The Environmental and Natural Resource Issues task force develops programs for the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment and UK Cooperative Extension Service’s environmental education efforts.