Have you ever watched a river of rainwater run down your driveway into the gutter, ditch, or storm sewer? Collecting rain-soft roof runoff in a barrel is a good way to reuse/conserve high quality water. Rain barrels have been around for thousands of years, but today people are re-discovering that they also protect our local water while saving money on water bills and having a ready source of natural rainwater to nurture plants and gardens (instead of hard groundwater from wells, chlorine from public water or sodium salt-softener water).

The Recycling Association of Minnesota (RAM) is holding a series of events to distribute rain barrels and compost bins. Pre-order a rain barrel and compost bin on the RAM website and then pick up your order at the event of your choice. Some local distribution events include:

• Fri. 9am-1pm on April 22nd at Roseville Skate Center
• Fri. 9am-1pm on April 29th at St. Francis Public Works*
• Fri. 9am-11am on May 14th at Chisago County Public Works
• Fri. 8am-1pm on May 14th at Plymouth Public Work
• Fri. 9am-1pm on May 20th at Ramsey Public Works*

*Anoka County residents are eligible for $14 reduction in the cost of the compost bin at St. Francis and Ramsey events. For more information, please contact Brita Sailer at 651-641-4560 or email: brita@recycleminnesota.org

EDUCATORS: consider installing a rain barrel at your school as a practical tool to demonstrate the sustainable use of water resources outside the classroom window. Contact your local watershed management organization or the Anoka Conservation District to learn about education grants that may be available.