Spring is just a short time away and many people are already planning their vegetable and flower gardens. Their biggest obstacle throughout the year is water or, to be more precise, lack thereof. To assist these gardeners with their watering chores, Wilderness Road State Park will host a rain-barrel workshop on Saturday, March 20 beginning at 1 pm. Participants construct their own barrel to take home for just $25.
“I am looking forward to this workshop,” stated park concession manager Mike Brindle. “Our water levels drop steadily throughout the summer, and many of us are forced to watch our water usage, limiting our ability to water our crops and flowers. Prices for rain barrels can be very expensive and that is why the park is excited to be able to offer these barrels to assist the community at such an affordable price.”
So what is a rain barrel? Rain Barrels are storage containers that collect rain water from downspouts. They usually consist of a plastic storage container with lid, a system that diverts water into the barrel from the downspouts, an overflow that diverts water away from the house, a screen to keep out debris, and a water spigot for attaching a garden hose.
Why is a rain barrel a good idea? This storage of rain water serves dual purposes. First, the water can be used for such things as gardening and watering the lawn instead of tap water. Second, the rain barrels serve an environmental purpose. By storing the rain water, it helps limit the impact of storm water runoff to streams. Consequently, it helps to protect the environment and decrease pollution.
