The Greenspot Rain Barrel Program, which distributed nearly 1,000 discounted rain barrels to county residents last year, has been renewed for 2013 and will officially get going again in April.
Rain barrels collect rain water by connecting directly to a downspout; diverting the water collected on a house’s roof from the stormwater system and providing a free source of water for gardens and lawns.
The program, a partnership between the City of Columbus and the Franklin County Soil and Water Conservation District, offers 45-gallon, terracotta rain barrels for $55 to residents who either attend a workshop in person or complete one online.
The first workshop is scheduled for April 6 at the Selby House Shelter Park in Worthington, with many more planned at locations all over the city through August.
See the project website for the most up-to-date list of workshop dates and times, or to complete a workshop online.