Workshops
Watershed Stewards program through funding by Clark County's Clean Water Program host many free workshops each year. All workshops focus on improving stormwater quality and reducing stormwater quantity to help improve local streams and rivers. Each year we present several workshops. Check our Calendar page for upcoming workshops or check out the information on this page for more information.
Annual workshops:
Rain Barrels |
Rain Gardens |
Rain Barrels: how to build a rain barrel for less than $50
A rain barrel collects roof water from a home's downspouts. Attaching a hose bibb (faucet) to the bottom of the barrel allows the homeowner to tap the water for use in the garden, home or greenhouse. An overflow near the top of the barrel takes the overflow and directs it elsewhere, such as a rain garden. Channel the overflow water away from your home's foundation to reduce the likelihood of flooding or water in the crawl space or basement. Two important factors in considering a barrel: how much you want to spend and safety.
Before you buy a barrel, be sure it is FOOD GRADE. This means that the barrel previously held food of some sort. Most used barrels in our region have held soy sauce or sake. Since this water will water your plants, be sure it is safe, no solvents, paints or soaps! Also be sure your rain barrel is sealed. You will need to cut a hole in the top, but leave it small enough to prevent children or animals falling in and cover the hole with screen material to prevent mosquito reproduction.
Learn more about rain barrels from our factsheet. (pdf)
Watch our quick videos on building and installing a rain barrel.
Where can I buy a barrel?
Inclusion on this list does not imply any endorsement or recommendation of a specific business or service. To be included on this list contact jenifer.naas@clark.wa.gov.
The following is not a complete list of resources and supply is not guaranteed. Call ahead for availability and prices.
Portland Craig's List – search for rain barrel http://portland.craigslist.org/
Yoshida Corporation (OAI) – 1-888-243-8371 ask for shipping department
Concentrates farm supply (Portland) – 503-234-7501
Rain Reserve – RainReserve Rain Barrel Diverter http://www.rainreserve.com/
What are some other options for multi-barrel set-ups?
There are many options if you want to connect two or more barrels together. Click on each link to download a PDF document slide show.
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Rain Barrel Project by Watershed Steward Ed Fischer (large PDF)
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Ed set up multiple barrels, drilling the bottom of the barrel to use all the capacity of the barrel. Individual files (PDF): |
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Rain Barrel Project by Watershed Steward Jayme Studer (pdf)
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Jayme uses her barrels on her farm to control erosion on a steep slope leading from her barn. Her overflow goes to a rain garden (not pictured) |
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One Rain Barrel Project by Brigg Franklin (700 KB pdf) |
Brigg attended our May 13th, 2009 Rain Barrel workshop and used Ed Fischer's method to build his rain barrel. Thanks to Brigg for the pictures and check out his price list here. |
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Rain Gardens
Rain gardens direct roof runoff into a garden area specially prepared and planted with vegetation. This keeps water that would normally pick up pollution as it flows across driveways and streets right in your own backyard. It also reduces or eliminates muddy spots common next to downspouts and splash blocks.
A rain garden is a planter bed 6 to 12 inches deep into which rain from your downspouts is directed, usually a site at least 10 feet from your foundation and slightly downhill from your downspout.
Site suitability is important! If a one foot deep hole filled with water drains within 24 hours, it is suitable for a rain garden. The rain garden is a depression about one foot deep and sized to be approximately one tenth the size of the roof area drained by your downspouts. Adding 4 to 6 inches of good compost provides a good planting medium. Downspouts can be directed to the rain garden by creating a dry rock streambed or burying a pipe to the garden.
Rain gardens can be planted with a variety of shrubs and perennials similar to a garden bed. Virtually any plant that does not require well drained soil will work. Native plants work best as they are less susceptible to disease and drought. Integrating the design of the rain garden into the rest of your landscaping provides the most pleasing results. Rain gardens are often focal points in the landscape. For more information or to sign up for our next rain garden workshop, Contact Us.
What is a Rain Garden? Understand what a rain garden is an how it helps beautify your yard and protect the environment. (Slide show with audio).
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