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Health & Fitness

UMd. Extension to Host Rain Barrel Workshop for Prince George's

This summer, University of Maryland Extension is hosting a Rain Barrel Workshop for the residents of Prince George's County.

This summer, University of Maryland Extension is proud to host a Rain Barrel Workshop for the residents of Prince George’s County. This workshop will teach residents how to recycle rainwater while also combating stormwater pollution entering the Chesapeake Bay.

Held on Saturday, July 28th, 2012 from 9:30-11:30am at the Center for Educational Partnership (located at 6200 Sheridan Street, Riverdale, Maryland) the Rain Barrel Workshop will allow participants to learn about why rain barrels are an important part of managing stormwater runoff in terms of both protecting the Chesapeake Bay and mitigating water damage on personal property.

The workshop will be headed by SeaGrant Extension’s Watershed Restoration Experts; Amanda Rockler and Jacqueline Takacs. During this session, participants will learn how to install and maintain a rain barrel on their property. The pre-assembled rain barrels will be distributed at the conclusion of the workshop, ready for home installation.

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“There is growing concern about the quality of water in our local watershed due to increased urbanization resulting in high amounts of sediment and contaminants coming from stormwater runoff,” says UMD graduate student and event volunteer Mallori McDowell.  Gabrielle Rovegno, UMD undergraduate student and event volunteer explains; “Rain barrel installation on one’s property is a low impact and economical way to effectively reduce volumes of runoff entering our Bay, and a great way to get individuals and communities behind helping the County with the Watershed Implementation Plan, which is aimed at helping the health of the Bay.”

The Rain Barrel Workshop is free for anyone who registers at http://recycletherain.eventbrite.com and the pre-assembled rain barrels cost $70 each. Veteran’s Compost is providing rain barrels that are pre-assembled from recycled bins to hold hazelnut and French vanilla flavoring for coffee roasting.  Contact Christie Balch at cbalch@umd.edu or at 301-779-2806 x706 for additional information.

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Special thanks to Amanda Rockler and Jaqueline Takacs from SeaGrant Extension for teaching the educational component of this workshop and Veterans Compost for providing the rain barrels.

University of Maryland Extension's three-fold mission is to contribute to the well being of Maryland residents by increasing economic prosperity, improving environmental quality, and enhancing quality of life. University of Maryland Extension programs are open to everyone without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, or disability.

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