Rain Barrel Workshops Celebrate World Water Day

On Saturday, March 23rd residents up and down the Sunshine Coast will be assembling their own rain barrels. Public workshops will be held in each of the Gibsons, Sechelt and Pender Harbour areas. Participants will learn about water conservation during drought, build a 55-litre barrel to take home, and get tips on collecting, storing, and safely using water for their gardens.

These workshops were co-organized by the Sunshine Coast Regional District, Sunshine Coast Conservation Association, Sunshine Coast Botanical Garden and the Ruby Lake Lagoon Nature Reserve Society, as a fun and practical way for residents to learn about and partake in water conservation.

Photo: Preparing for rain barrel workshop: Chris Addy, Gibsons Building Supplies Sechelt; Marina Stjepovic, SCRD; Nadi Fleschhut, Ruby Lake Lagoon Nature Reserve Society; Jason Herz, SCCA

World Water Day draws global attention to the importance of freshwater resources. The organizations working together to offer the rain barrel workshops are calling upon the community to do their part. Paddy Wales of the Botanical Society reminds us that, “A rain barrel is just one small piece of the water conservation puzzle. Although we live in a rainforest, weeks or even months of summer drought can be expected most years. With a little knowledge and effort, we can learn to use significantly less water during the dry months.”

Cost to participants is $20, half the value of the materials.  As there are a limited number of barrels, pre-registration is recommended.  Workshop locations and schedule are as follows:

Gibsons Area 10 am-noon at Eric Cardinall Hall
Pre-register with SCCA (nearly full

)

Sechelt Area 1pm-3pm at the Sunshine Coast Botanical Gardens
Pre-register with Sunshine Coast Botanical Garden Society at (604) 740-3969. nearly full

Pender Area 2pm-4pm at the Iris Griffith Centre
Pre-register with Ruby Lake Lagoon Nature Reserve Society or call (604) 883-9201. space available

Thanks to local businesses, Gibsons Building Supplies and Gibsons Recycling, for also pitching in to make the workshop possible.

 

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