Did you know that a simple rainfall of 1-inch can wash away up to 10,000 pounds of soil? When these effects are multiplied over time, this erosion of soil can not only cause structural instability for families and their homes, but also can change the environment and the ecosystem that soil is vital to. For those who live in Grand Forks, rain is nothing new. However, for charity "Stop the Soil" founder Bradley Cooper, soil erosion represents a threat, that if left unchecked, could permanently change our city's landscape.

Cooper first began noticing issues with soil erosion after a severe thunderstorm in September of 2018 altered the landscape of his family farm. Since then, he's been on a mission to use modern technology to combat the destructive effects that rain can bring.

"I came to the realization that in today's world we have barriers and divertation devices that are very effective, but most cities are either ignorant to their uses or overestimate the costs that these simple solutions require."

"Stop the Soil" was created as a result to not only better educate individuals on how to stop erosion, but also give an outlet where people can volunteer. Most volunteers are able to setup simple devices near homes in the local Grand Forks area where erosion is a common problem. For many homes, the simple laying of a tarp near a gutter is enough, but for others more advanced technologies like the Anderson Aqueduct can be used, all entirely gifted to the charity through generous donations. 

Despite it's "dirty" name, "Stop the Soil" has been successful at not only raising money for devices needed in the Grand Forks area, but have also done so with a huge amount of community interaction. Those wanting to volunteer or give are encouraged to contact the organization at their website stopthesoil.org, or to get a hold of them on social media through Facebook or Twitter.