Rain Barrel Workshop
The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay is holding a workshop on building a rain barrel on Wednesday, July 7th, 2010 from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. The workshop will be at The Old Stone House in Forest Hill Park and cost $65.
Why Rain Barrels?
Rain Barrels can be attached to down spouts to capture roof runoff. The water stored in the rain barrel can be used to water gardens or lawn. Rain barrels can also help control stormwater runoff, which causes erosion and degrades our streams.
How do I sign up?
Contact the Alliance for the Chesapeake at djennings@acb-online.org to register.
Hi Richard,
It’s probably worth noting that with the $65, you walk away with a rain barrel to take home.
These sell for $50 at the Farmer’s market, so you can think of the class as a $15 charge.
http://acb-online.org/event.cfm?EVENT_ID=844
I REALLY want one of these, but am concerned about mosquitos. We have a MASSIVE mosquito issue in FH and I don’t want to make it worse. Do they have some sort of covering to prevent the bugs from coming inside to lay eggs?
The two that I have (purchased from the Rivanna River Conservation group) have a piece of window screen that fits tightly inside the rim.
Also, the Department of Public Utilities is working on regs that would permit homeowners to earn a reduction in their stormwater management annual fee, and a rain barrel is one of the ways you can earn credit.
Sarah:
Like those available from the Rivanna Conservation Society in Charlottesville, screens are provided to prevent mosquitoes from breeding the barrels. You might also consider purchasing some mosquito dunks at a local hardware or landscaping store as well. The dunk is composed of a natural bacteria that keeps mosquitoes from developing into adults. These are safe for both people and pets.
The workshop will cover simple things people can do to reduce their environmental footprint, conserve water, and prevent excessive polluted runoff from our homes from entering Reedy Creek and the James River.
I hope to see you at the workshop.
Chris