The workshops are Saturday, Dec. 8, at 1 and 3 p.m. (and potentially on other dates after the new year) in the parking lot at the beginning of the Ringgold nature trail. Coca-Cola donated the barrels, and donations will be accepted to help cover the cost of the additional rainbarrel components to allow the workshops to continue.
The workshops are meant to help local citizens participate in community-based “on-the-ground” conservation by using rainbarrels on their properties. Only 20 participants will take home a rainbarrel from each workshop.
According to Limestone Valley, rainbarrels are a low-cost stormwater practice that captures roof runoff during storms and reduces runoff volume and the erosional impact of stormflows in streams. With widespread use, rainbarrels can help reduce the threat of sediment originating from erosion to the aquatic biodiversity in local streams. In addition to these benefits, rainbarrels are great for gardening, as they collect non-chlorinated water that plants prefer without adding to water bills.
These workshops are part of a larger effort by Limestone Valley to conduct education and outreach associated with a Clean Water Act grant to reduce nonpoint source pollution in the South Chickamauga Creek Headwaters Watershed.
Specifically, the project is aimed to reduce bacteria and sediment by helping fund agricultural projects and septic system repairs to improve runoff in the areas upstream of Ringgold.
Workshop attendees will be given the opportunity to learn about water conservation and pollution reduction, and will also be given the chance to participate in a discussion of local water quality issues and what they can do to help the grassroots efforts in Catoosa County.
To reserve a spot, contact Dan Huser, watershed project coordinator at Limestone Valley, at 423-544-9076 or dhuser.lvrcd@gmail.com. You may also use this contact information if you have additional questions about the Clean Water Act grant for the area.
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