Three simple ways to capture and reuse rainwater include installing rain barrels, redirecting downspouts, and planting native species in and around your garden.  Rain barrels are an inexpensive way to save water, and money! Typical rain barrels have a 50-60 gallon capacity, and if used correctly, can save 1,300 gallons of water during a growing season. Rain barrels act as a personal reservoir for your home and garden needs.  Anytime your garden needs a drink, simply draw water from your rain barrel! Rain barrels also have other benefits beyond saving water. Rain barrels decrease the strain on public water supply and minimize the amount of storm water runoff, often carrying pollutants, entering our rivers and lakes. To purchase a rain barrel, contact the Lucas County Soil and Water Conservation District at (419) 893-1966.

Another way to reuse rainwater is by redirecting your downspouts onto your lawn or garden, or into a rain barrel.  Downspouts often direct rainwater down impervious surfaces like driveways and sidewalks, leading to more runoff into storm drains.  However, redirecting downspouts towards a green space, or into your rain barrel, results in rainwater being absorbed into the ground or used to water throughout the growing season.  Let’s put this into perspective: According to the USGS Water Science School, 1,743 gallons of water runs off the average roof when 1-inch of rainfall occurs. If collected, that’s enough water to satisfy the needs of the average American family for 5 days! To learn about redirecting downspouts, and other green infrastructure, visit the U.S. EPA’s website.

A final way to retain rainwater this spring is by planting native species in and around your garden. Native plants are beautiful and low-maintenance; they have deep, thirsty roots that help retain water in your garden and absorb extra fertilizer before it can run off your yard.  Because of their deep roots and disease-resistant qualities, native plants like the Black-eyed Susan and Coneflower require less water and no added fertilizer.  For a list of native plant species, visit Naturally Native Nursery in Bowling Green, Ohio. 

• March 14th, The Maumee River Walleye Run Magazine – http://bit.ly/1RARHVT
• March 22nd, The Blade (Matt Markey, Outdoors Editor) – http://bit.ly/1UCau6z
• March 23rd, Channel 13 ABC – http://bit.ly/1RwtygS
• March 30th, NBC Channel 24 – http://bit.ly/1UYOnYa

• April 16th, 9:00am-12:00pm – Global Youth Service Day – Storm Drain Marking: We need more youth volunteers for Storm Drain Marking! Register your group to mark storm drains throughout Toledo and help protect your waterways from pollution. 
• April 20th, 11:00am-2:00pm – BGSU Eco-Fair: Head outside & celebrate the Earth at BGSU’s annual Eco-Fair! Visit our table in the Bowen-Thompson Student Union Oval to find out about all sorts of ways to get involved while meeting other individuals who have a passion for change making!
• April 22nd, 11:00am-2:00pm – Earth Day Celebration at ProMedica Toledo Hospital: Visit our table at ProMedica’s Earth Day Celebration and learn about our programs and ways to get involved!
• April 23rd, 9:00am-5:00pm – The Mercy Health Glass City Marathon Expo: Whether you are running in the marathon or cheering on the sidelines, come check out our table at the Expo to learn about all the ways we are helping the marathon go green!
• April 23rd, 10:00am-3:00pm – Party for the Planet: Come to The Toledo Zoo to celebrate our planet by learning about plants, animals, and how we can protect them. PCS will be there educating people about marine debris in our area and what we can do to minimize it.
• April 24th, 7:15am-2:00pm – The Mercy Health Glass City Marathon: PCS will be working the marathon; specifically we will manage the recycling, composting, and terracycling efforts at the start and finish lines. If interested in volunteering, please call us at (419) 874-0727.