Harvesting rain and using it in homes and gardens is the topic of a program March 13 sponsored by The Conservation Foundation.
The event will run from 1 to 3 p.m. at The Conservation Foundation’s McDonald Farm in Naperville.
With a presentation beginning at 1 p.m., Land Preservation Specialist Jim Kleinwachter will show how rain barrels and rain gardens work and how to install them to capture the rain. Kleinwachter will also show ways to put the rainwater to good use with a nature-friendly habitat in the backyard.
Rain barrels will be available for purchase for $75. The Conservation Foundation’s rain barrels are repurposed, recycled, and recyclable and come equipped with spigots, screens to prevent mosquito breeding, and overflow valves.
The presentation will be followed at 2 p.m. with an educational tour of the 60-acre McDonald Farm. The farm features examples of rain and butterfly gardens, rainwater harvesting, solar and wind energy, permeable paving, and native plants.
This workshop is free, but email registration is suggested. The presentation begins at the Clow Education Center at The Conservation Foundation’s McDonald Farm, 10S404 Knoch Knolls Road, Naperville. For questions, call 630-428-4500, ext. 115.
