Rain barrels are an easy way to harvest rainwater and reduce stormwater runoff at home. Did you know a single rain barrel can harvest hundreds, even thousands of gallons of rainwater annually? If you already have a rain barrel, it’s time to bring it out of hibernation and prepare it to collect rainwater for your spring and summer watering needs. If you don’t have a rain barrel and are interested in installing a rain barrel at home, register to participate in one of the following rain barrel workshops.
Becoming a River Hero Home is an easy way to help protect the James River. Anyone living in the James River basin can join by signing a simple online pledge to protect the James through everyday river-friendly actions like picking up after your pet or reducing lawn fertilizer. While these actions may seem small, when adopted on a wide scale, they can have a significant impact on local water quality.
We are sharing tips and tricks on our social media platforms this month, so be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter for more information on how you can make a difference in your community!
Rain Barrel Workshop in Richmond
Date & Time: Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at 6:00 pm
Location: Starr Hill Brewery, 3406 W Leigh St, Richmond, VA 23230
Fee: $50.00
The James River Association is offering a series of rain barrel workshops this spring for our April Showers, May Flowers promotion. Each workshop is $50 and comes with a plastic 55-gallon drum, rain barrel assembly kit, a native plant from Reedy Creek Environmental, and instructions for assembly and installation at home.
Plus Attendees (21 and over) will receive a free pint!
Click here for more information.
Rain Barrel Workshop in Charlottesville
Date & Time: Thursday, May 11, 2023 at 6:00 pm
Location: Pen Park, 1400 Pen Park Road, Charlottesville, Virginia
Fee: $40.00
Captured rainwater is perfect for irrigating landscaped beds, watering potted plants, and outdoor chores like bike or car washing. Rain barrels can reduce stormwater runoff from your property, which is beneficial to local waterways. Join the City of Charlottesville, Rivanna Stormwater Education Partnership, Albemarle County Service Authority, Piedmont Master Gardeners, and James River Association for a workshop on how to set up your own rain barrel and information on stormwater runoff, water conservation, and gardening in our area. You will receive a plastic barrel and a DIY assembly kit with your workshop registration. Click here for more information.
Rain Barrel Workshop in Newport News
Date & Time: Saturday, May 27, 2023 at 10:00 am
Location: The Mariners’ Museum and Park, 100 Museum Drive, Newport News, Virginia
Fee: $60.00
Newport News Waterworks is partnering with the Newport News Master Gardeners, Newport News Department of Public Works, and Mariners’ Museum to offer rain barrel making workshops. Click here for more information.
Rain Barrel Workshop in Chesterfield County
Date & Time: Saturday, June 24, 2023 at 10:00 am
Location: Chesterfield County Fairgrounds – Exhibition Building 10300 Courthouse Road Chesterfield, Virginia
Fee: $50.00
Join the James River Soil and Water Conservation District and Chesterfield Environmental Engineering for our Rain Barrel Workshop! Create your own custom rain barrel to help keep your yard and garden green all summer long. Conservation starts in your own backyard! This workshop will provide you with all the knowledge, tools, and equipment needed to DIY your own barrel (food grade 55-gallon barrel, hose bib, overflow spout, and screen to keep out mosquitos). You can attend this event on your own but we encourage you to bring a helper, kids are always welcome! Click here for more information.
Rain Barrel Workshop in Chesterfield County
Date & Time: Saturday, May 27, 2023 at 10:00 am
Location: Chesterfield County Fairgrounds – Exhibition Building 10300 Courthouse Road Chesterfield, Virginia
Fee: $50.00
Join the James River Soil and Water Conservation District and Chesterfield Environmental Engineering for our Rain Barrel Workshop! Create your own custom rain barrel to help keep your yard and garden green all summer long. Conservation starts in your own backyard! This workshop will provide you with all the knowledge, tools, and equipment needed to DIY your own barrel (food grade 55-gallon barrel, hose bib, overflow spout, and screen to keep out mosquitos). You can attend this event on your own but we encourage you to bring a helper, kids are always welcome! Click here for more information.
Rain Barrel Workshop in Richmond
Date & Time: Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at 6:00 pm
Location: Broad Rock Branch Library, 4820 Old Warwick Road, Richmond, Virginia
Fee: $50.00
Join the James River Association for a rain barrel workshop at Richmond’s Broad Rock Branch Library on Tuesday, May 20, 2023. Staff members will instruct workshop participants on how to assemble and install rain barrels at home. The registration fee for the workshop is $50 and each registration comes with a 55-gallon drum, RainRecycle rain barrel kit from The Rain Barrel Depot, and native plant from Reedy Creek Environmental. Click here for more information.
Adding a rain barrel to your landscaping is just one of the ways that you can become a River Hero Home! Whether you are attending one of our rain barrel workshops, or one of our partners, take a look at our list of River Hero Home pledges and see what else you can do to be an inspiration to your community!