The Northwest AL Resource Conservation & Development Council (RC&D) recently hosted two separate Rain Barrel workshops in an effort to promote water conservation and teach the public about the benefits of using rain barrels.

The first workshop was held in Lauderdale County while the second workshop was hosted in Franklin County.

At the conclusion of each workshop, attendees had the opportunity to build their own rain barrel to take home with them.

A grant awarded to Northwest AL RC&D by Auburn University and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) made it possible for RC&D to host such a workshop and give each attendee a rain barrel, free of charge.

“We had a great turnout at both workshops, with almost 100 people attending and getting a free rain barrel,” said Heath King, Programs Assistant for the RC&D Council.

“Since these were such a success, we hope to host more workshops in the future, and encourage gardeners, educators, and even those who just want to lower their water bill during the summer months to attend.”

Partnering agencies such as the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Alabama Forestry Commission, and ACES volunteered to help co-cost the workshops. Roger Hayes, Chairman of the Northwest Alabama RC&D Council, expressed his appreciation to all project partners as well as Senators’ Bedford and Irons, and Representatives’ Morrow, Burdine, and Greer who represent Franklin and Lauderdale Counties and provide support for the RC&D program in the State Legislature.