Rain Barrels

Did you know that 60% of lawn fertilizer is washed away by surface water? Over 30% of nutrient and sediment overloading in the Chesapeake Bay can be attributed to non-point pollution and human land use. Using rain barrels is an easy and effective way to catch that "first flush" of polluted runoff, slowing it and allowing it to infiltrate through the ground, removing pollutants before they enter the watershed. Rain barrels are also an excellent method of conserving water for later use. Furthermore, students and educators can integrate rain barrel projects into the curriculum, determining how many barrels are needed, cost effectiveness, water monitoring . . . even encouraging creativity in painting the barrels to depict environmental messages. Visit these resources to learn more about finding and using rain barrels:

•  Purchasing, Constructing, Using Rain Barrels - Arlington Echo Outdoor Education Center
•  Build Your Own Rain Barrel - Chesapeake Bay Foundation
•  Building or Purchasing a Rain Barrel - Maryland Environmental Design Program
•  Rain Barrel Project Instructions - Low Impact Development Center
•  Making a Rain Barrel - Washington Gardener Magazine
•  Map of Maryland Impervious Surfaces - Maryland Dept of Natural Resources
•  Why You Shouldn't Use Rain Barrels on Edible Plants, by Julie Dieguez, Schoolyard Habitat Partnership
•  Project Aims to Beautify Rain Barrels, by Pamela Wood

Also See:
Types of Habitat Projects
Long-Term Connections: Curriculum
How to Create a Habitat Project


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