Rain Barrel Workshops

This summer we attended a rain barrel workshop. The workshop was a joint presentation by the Loudoun Soil & Water Conservation District and the Town of Leesburg.

We enjoyed making our own rain barrel by adapting a fifty gallon drum to include a spigot, overflow release, and insect screen. When we got home we needed to choose the best location and build a stand to put it on… this part proved to be the harder part.

We are slowly watching our rain barrel fill up a little more each time in rains and looking forward to watering our garden with it someday soon.  Rain barrel workshops continue to be offered throughout Loudoun County, and we will add them to our community calendar as we hear about them.

Here’s the content of a previous announcement of the workshops that was emailed to me:

Build a Rain Barrel & Conserve Water; Workshops Scheduled

Rain barrels have started to re-emerge as an economical and practical way for homeowners to conserve water, reduce runoff, save money, and help protect the Chesapeake Bay. The recent lack of rain has left many looking for ways to conserve water. A rain barrel collects the water that runs off the roof and makes it available for homeowners to water plants, fill the birdbath, wash their car, the dog, and muddy feet. It can even be used in toilet tanks when the well pump isn’t working. This water is free and the water is collected before it runs off and picks up sediment and contaminants that pollute our streams and rivers and eventually the Chesapeake Bay.

The Loudoun Soil and Water Conservation District in partnership with the Town of Leesburg and Loudoun County Parks, Recreation & Community Services will present 3 workshops where homeowners can learn more about the benefits of rain barrels and make one to take home. The workshops will be held…

Participants are reminded to dress appropriately as they will be constructing their barrel. There will be a $XX charge per barrel, and pre-registration is required.

Contact: Suzanne Brown, Loudoun Soil and Water Conservation District, 703-777-2075

And here’s the info I have received regarding upcoming dates:

Rain barrel workshops will be held on Wednesday 09/24/08 and Thursday 09/25/08 from
6:00 - 7:00 at Tuscarora Creek Park in Leesburg. These 2 workshops are for Leesburg residents only.

Loudoun Soil and Water Conservation District is getting a shipment of 70 more barrels in and will be holding a rain barrel workshop open to all county residents later this fall. Probably early
October in Lovettsville or Hillsboro. They also plan to hold a workshop in Ashburn. The dates for these workshops are being determined this week. Contact Suzanna Brown (703-777-2075) for details.