Project Rain Barrel Workshops Offered at Woodbury Earth Day Festival

As part of the 25th annual Woodbury Earth Day Festival at Hollow Park on Saturday, May 4, the Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition (PRWC) will host three Project Rain Barrel educational workshops. Learn the benefits of installing a rain barrel to capture rain for yourself, conserve water and reduce runoff. Rain barrels can be used for watering a garden or houseplants, washing a car, and much more.

“As an event that focuses on protecting and improving the nature of our communities, our land and water, and ourselves, we offer direct actions for people to take at Woodbury Earth Day. This workshop allows people to do that,” said Carol Haskins, PRWC Outreach Director and Woodbury Earth Day chair. Upon noting that in a one-inch rainstorm, a shed measuring 10 feet by 10 feet would more than fill a 55-gallon rain barrel, Haskins said, “if we can capture that water and save it for later use, that will add up to a lot less runoff over the course of the year and a big savings on your water bill or less burden on your private well.”

Project Rain Barrel is a collaboration between River Network, Coca-Cola North America, the Coca-Cola Foundation, and local host organizations across the U.S. And Canada. “Rain barrels are a tangible and effective way to inspire change to preserve our water resources,” said Jon Radtke, Water Sustainability Program Director for Coca-Cola North America. “Working with our local partners, we can encourage communities to save water drop by drop, barrel by barrel, and replenish a significant amount of water back into nature.”

Join PRWC at the Woodbury Earth Day Festival at Hollow Park on May 4 to create your very own rain barrel. All materials are provided at the workshop and PRWC volunteers will help guide you through the process.The take home product will be one finished 55-gallon rain barrel that will capture your roof's rain water. Participants must be prepared to bring their rain barrel home with them on May 4. Dimensions of the drums are 26” diameter across end, 39”long and 72” circumference. Registration for the rain barrel workshop starts now at only $40 per barrel, a bargain compared to the $100+ it costs for a ready-made rain barrel. Last year workshop slots filled up quickly! Register online or call PRWC at (203) 263-0076. Pre-registration and payment is required.