Gardeners Find an Upside to Downpours12:00AM / Monday, September 11, 2006
There was no shortage of rain this summer, but the Hoosic River Watershed Association is holding a workshop on rain-catching techniques on Saturday, September 16. HooRWA’s Director, Eileen Fielding, explains that despite all the recent rain, “This isn’t a crazy idea. When it rains, we throw water away by sending it down storm drains into streams and rivers.
If we get more of it into the ground, we can improve our groundwater supply and keep pollutants out of the river.” There is another reason for the workshop, too: “Rain-catching leads to beautiful garden projects and saves money on city water use.” The workshop provides both information and hands-on practice in using rain barrels, establishing rain gardens, and other techniques for catching and storing rainwater.
Beginners and experienced gardeners are all welcome. The workshop will be held from 10AM to noon at Sheep Hill, courtesy of the Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation, which is about 2 miles south of Williamstown on Rte 7 (near bridge construction). Some supplies and equipment for home projects will be available at cost.
There is no charge for the workshop itself but pre-registration is requested by calling HooRWA and leaving a message at 413-458-2742. This workshop is supported in part by the Massachusetts Environmental Trust and the New England Grassroots Environmental Fund. |
