RAIN BARRELS

At the Arboretum we have two cisterns which we can use to water plants when needed.  One large one catches the rain water off the Ag Center building.  It has a pump attached to retrieve the water.  A smaller one sits by the Green Roof Shelter.  It simply has a spigot at the bottom which a hose can be attached to.  At your home you can set up a simple rain barrel.  Most home improvement stores and some local nurseries are selling ready made barrels.  However, if you can find an old 50-55 gallon plastic barrel, you can make your own.  Here are two sets of instructions with details for this easy project:    How to Make a Rain Barrel or Rain Barrels .  So get busy and start collecting the spring rain that has been forecast for this week.