The Orleans County Soil and Water Conservation District and Orleans County Master Gardeners are teaming up for a Rain Barrel Workshop Saturday, April 1 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds, Route 31 in Knowlesville, just west of Albion. The cost is $15/barrel and includes all materials and hands-on help building your barrel.
Jena Buckwell of the Orleans County Soil and Water Conservation District says adverse weather conditions such as drought and extreme rain events are becoming more prevalent, and the Soil and Water Conservation District is working to help farmers and homeowners adjust to those changes with conservation techniques.
“While agriculture certainly plays a huge role in water use, as well as watershed contamination in our region, homeowners also have the capacity to negatively or positively influence how water is conserved and protected,” she said.
Rain barrels are an effective way to reduce water used by homeowners, especially those who are avid gardeners during the growing season, she said.
“Rain barrels can also help alleviate pressure on storm sewers during heavy and extreme rain events, reducing the likelihood of municipal systems overflowing, causing an increased chance of household contaminants entering our waterways.”
The April 1 workshop will be held in the Trolley Building on the fairgrounds and includes demonstrations on rain barrel installation, a watershed simulator, presentations on how rain barrels help protect watersheds, and how to conserve water by growing a more eco-friendly garden.
Register by March 24 by calling 589-5959 ext. 5 or emailing jrbuckwell@gmail.com.
