IntroductionRain barrels help watersheds by reducing storm water runoff, which carries pollutants like oil and sediment into local waterways. By capturing rainwater, rain barrels prevent this runoff from overwhelming storm drains and streams, which helps reduce flooding, erosion, and pollution. They also conserve water by collecting free, untreated water for non-potable uses like garden irrigation. How rain barrels help
Step by Step 1. Prepare the Barrel Thoroughly clean the inside of the barrel with a mild detergent or a bleach-and-water solution and rinse well to remove any residue or plastic shavings. 2. Drill Holes for Spigot and Overflow Spigot hole: Drill a hole near the bottom of the barrel, about 2–3 inches up, to allow space for sediment to settle below the outlet and provide clearance for a watering can. The hole size should match the spigot fitting (e.g., a 15/16" hole for a 3/4" spigot). Overflow hole: Drill a hole near the top of the barrel, on the opposite side from where it will connect to the downspout, to redirect excess water away from your home's foundation. The size will depend on your overflow fitting (e.g., 1" to 1.5" or 2" is recommended). 3. Install the Spigot Apply waterproof sealant or wrap the threads of the spigot and the bulkhead fitting with Teflon tape. Insert the fitting into the spigot hole, ensuring a rubber gasket or washer creates a watertight seal on the inside or outside of the barrel, depending on the fitting design. Tighten securely with pliers, being careful not to over-tighten and damage the plastic. 4. Install the Overflow Attach your overflow adapter or pipe into the top hole, using sealant or a washer as needed to ensure a tight seal. Attach a hose to the overflow fitting and direct it to another rain barrel, a rain garden, or a distant area away from your foundation. 5. Prepare the Top Opening If your barrel has a sealed top, cut a large hole using a jigsaw, leaving a 1-inch rim. If using a lidded garbage can, cut a hole in the lid for the downspout connection. Cover the opening with a fine mesh screen to filter debris and prevent mosquito breeding. Secure the screen with staples, a bungee cord, or by placing the lid over it, trimming any excess material. 6. Position and Install the Barrel Choose a stable, level location under a downspout and build a raised platform with cinder blocks or a sturdy stand. Elevation provides the necessary water pressure for a hose or watering can. Measure and cut your downspout so that it aligns with the entry hole on your barrel lid or install a downspout diverter according to the manufacturer's instructions. 7. Test the System Wait for rain and check your system for leaks. Ensure water flows correctly into the barrel and the overflow system works as intended. Rain Barrel Resources Rain Barrels: Small Investment, Big Benefits
In this video, you will learn about the great dollar and environmental benefits of Rain Barrels; a simple and effective investment to conserve water, save money, and help the environment from the US Environmental Protection Agency. Build Your Own Rain Barrel A student's guide to building a simple rain barrel from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. Rain Barrel Maintenance Guide Another rain barrel resource from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. How to Make a DIY Rain Barrel in 5 Easy Steps Better Homes & Gardens article offers guidance to transform an outdoor garbage can into a resource-saving DIY rain barrel with these easy instructions on how to make a rain barrel for your yard. Soak Up the Rain: Rain Barrels Information and resources from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPS) on rain barrels.
0 Comments
IntroductionPollinator gardens help watersheds by preventing runoff pollution, reducing erosion, and improving soil health through the use of native plants. The deep roots of these plants absorb and filter rainwater, slowing its flow and cleaning it before it reaches creeks and rivers. This process also helps reduce flooding and holds soil in place. To make a pollinator garden, select a sunny spot and prepare the soil by removing grass and weeds. Then, plant a diverse mix of native flowers in groups to provide continuous blooms, food, and nesting habitats for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and birds. Finally, add a water source and avoid using pesticides to create a safe and thriving environment. Step By Step1. Prepare your garden space Choose a sunny location: Select an area that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day. Clear the area: Remove existing lawn and weeds. You can do this by digging, using a sod cutter, or sheet mulching with cardboard, which is a great method that helps build healthy soil over time. Avoid amending soil: Native plants are well-adapted to their natural soil, so you typically don't need to add fertilizer. 2. Select the right plants Go native: Choose plants native to your region, as they are most beneficial for local pollinators and will thrive in your soil. Provide variety: Select a diverse range of plants with different colors, shapes, and heights. Ensure continuous blooms: Choose plants that bloom in early, mid, and late seasons to provide a consistent food source throughout the year. Include host plants: Add host plants for butterfly and moth caterpillars, which are a vital food source for baby birds. 3. Add essential habitats and water Plant in groups: Arrange plants in masses or clumps of three to five to create a larger, more appealing target for pollinators. Provide a water source: Place a shallow dish, birdbath, or a "puddling" area with pebbles or stones to give pollinators a safe place to drink without drowning. Offer shelter and nesting sites: Leave some areas of bare soil for ground-nesting bees, and consider adding a small log, rock pile, or bee house for overwintering insects. 4. Maintain your garden without pesticides Minimize chemical use: Avoid using pesticides, as they can harm or kill pollinators. Embrace natural processes: Resist the urge to "clean up" the garden completely in the fall, as hollow stems and leaf litter provide crucial overwintering habitat for many species. Water thoughtfully: Water in the early morning or late evening to avoid disturbing pollinators during their active hours. Pollinator Garden ResourcesHow to build a pollinator garden
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service offers some good informatoin and instructions for developing your own pollinator garden. How to Plant a Pollinator Garden Epic Gardening on You Tube offers an instructional video with useful tips and ideas for making a successful pollinator garden. Creating a Pollinator Paradise This article from the Nature Conservancy magazine offers ideas and suggestions for building a pollinator garden. Native Plants for Birds The Audubon Society has a Native Plant Database, which allows you to find native plants suitable to your area. The site is bird focused but has lots of information about using native plants Pollinator Partnership This group has a lot of very useful information (note that they use a slightly different ecoregion mapping than the one shown above) Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center This has a great plant database which allows you to look-up more information on specific plants. Homegrown National Park This organization raises awareness and urgently inspires everyone to address the biodiversity crisis by adding native plants and removing invasive ones where we live, work, learn, pray, and play. It has many useful tools and articles. |
Project Ideas for YouThese are Projects that you can do yourself at home to help protect and preserve our Pennsylvania Watersheds. ArchivesCategories
All
|
RSS Feed