EducationEducation is a large part of what we do! If you have a group (adults or children) who would like to hear more on a conservation subject contact us to set up a date and time! The following page highlights a conservation or nature related topic we feel the need to share!
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Benefits of Rain Barrels
We have a rain barrel sale in the spring so naturally we receive many questions about their uses and how they tie in to conservation. For those that don't know what a rain barrel is check out our pictures below! A rain barrel can come in many shapes and sizes, the ones we sell are either 55 gallon or 50 gallon drums that have been upcycled or repurposed from their original use. Their use was actually in the food industry and some of the barrels retain the smells from their former occupants (we have smelled olives and onions so far). The lids are fashioned with mesh to keep debris and insects out of the water, this is especially important for keeping mosquitoes from laying eggs in the rain barrel. Then towards the bottom the barrels are fashioned with a spigot and an extra nozzle for linking the barrels together. So, once you buy a rain barrel you can set it up underneath a downspout for the gutter making sure the water will go directly into the rain barrel which may require a flex hose. If you don't want to disturb your gutter or can't (for instance, if the end of the gutter is buried) then you might look in to and automatic diverter to fill your barrel. Many people like to decorate their barrels by painting them or growing a vining plant on them but you don't have to be that creative! They can be pretty stylish just by themselves.
So, now that you have heard a bit about what a rain barrel looks like, where ours come from, and the set-up let's talk about the benefits to you and the environment! So, obviously, a rain barrel catches and retains water that would normally drain off of your roof. This, in turn, helps to reduce the amount of water you have running through your yard which serves several benefits. You may notice having some erosion problems where your gutters direct the water. This is problematic because the topsoil is important and vital for plants to grow (whether it be in your lawn, flowerbed, or garden). Rain barrels catch the water so you can release it more slowly and distributed throughout the yard to reduce erosion.
Another benefit from reducing the runoff from you roof is to keep water that may contain pollutants--like sediment from erosion, fertilizer, or pesticides--out of our storm drains which lead to our waterways. Most people don't realize that sediment is the largest pollutant our waterways face and often comes from residences and town storm drains (along with fertilizers from lawns). Reducing the runoff to storm drains in your neighborhood is a big step in improving water quality locally!
Rain barrels are also great for your wallet! If you have flowerbeds that need watered all summer long or enjoy the fresh green lawn look then a rain barrel or two could really help you during a drought! Or if you have potted plants in the house, use the rain barrel for them too! Retaining free rain water for later use and distribution is often the driving factor for a homeowner (especially one on city or town water) to buy a rain barrel.
Rain water is also, generally, healthier for plants instead of our hose water! Especially if you have a water softener but even just straight municipal water is going to have chlorine and other minerals that can build up over time and cause problems for sensitive plants.
This water doesn't have to just be used on plants though! If you like to wash your car at home or clean lawn furniture or windows with your hose then make some adjustments and use a rain barrel. This takes your water savings even further which in turn helps conserve our very precious natural resource.
If you have any further questions about rain barrels feel free to contact us! Our sale if over for 2020 but we can put you on the mailing list for next year if you are interested in getting a rain barrel!
So, now that you have heard a bit about what a rain barrel looks like, where ours come from, and the set-up let's talk about the benefits to you and the environment! So, obviously, a rain barrel catches and retains water that would normally drain off of your roof. This, in turn, helps to reduce the amount of water you have running through your yard which serves several benefits. You may notice having some erosion problems where your gutters direct the water. This is problematic because the topsoil is important and vital for plants to grow (whether it be in your lawn, flowerbed, or garden). Rain barrels catch the water so you can release it more slowly and distributed throughout the yard to reduce erosion.
Another benefit from reducing the runoff from you roof is to keep water that may contain pollutants--like sediment from erosion, fertilizer, or pesticides--out of our storm drains which lead to our waterways. Most people don't realize that sediment is the largest pollutant our waterways face and often comes from residences and town storm drains (along with fertilizers from lawns). Reducing the runoff to storm drains in your neighborhood is a big step in improving water quality locally!
Rain barrels are also great for your wallet! If you have flowerbeds that need watered all summer long or enjoy the fresh green lawn look then a rain barrel or two could really help you during a drought! Or if you have potted plants in the house, use the rain barrel for them too! Retaining free rain water for later use and distribution is often the driving factor for a homeowner (especially one on city or town water) to buy a rain barrel.
Rain water is also, generally, healthier for plants instead of our hose water! Especially if you have a water softener but even just straight municipal water is going to have chlorine and other minerals that can build up over time and cause problems for sensitive plants.
This water doesn't have to just be used on plants though! If you like to wash your car at home or clean lawn furniture or windows with your hose then make some adjustments and use a rain barrel. This takes your water savings even further which in turn helps conserve our very precious natural resource.
If you have any further questions about rain barrels feel free to contact us! Our sale if over for 2020 but we can put you on the mailing list for next year if you are interested in getting a rain barrel!