Sarasota County Launches Virtual Rain Water Barrel Workshop

The Classes Demonstrate How to Make Rain Water Barrels and Provide Contactless Shopping for Supplies

Save water. Save money. Save nature. And do it all safely, with a suite of online Rain Barrel Workshops and a new contactless rain barrel purchase option launched by Sarasota County.

The updates to the county’s popular Rain Barrel Program allow individuals to attend an online workshop, rather than in-person, to learn the myriad benefits of using rain barrels at home or around your business. Participants also will learn about basic setup and operation.

And, anyone interested in purchasing one (or more) of the bright-blue barrels can order and pay online, and then choose from a range of convenient days, times and locations to pick up the equipment.

“We are excited to offer this popular program again, and help our residents learn and apply water saving techniques for maintaining their landscape,” said Lee Hayes Byron, UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County director.

Sarasota County launched the Rain Barrel Program in 2009, with the aim of helping participants conserve water and save money while reducing stormwater runoff and protecting our natural environment. Since then, residents and business owners have bought more than 3,300 barrels, or enough to collect 18 million gallons of our area’s annual rainfall.

Upcoming online Rain Barrel Workshops are set for July 18, Aug. 15 and Sept. 19. Learn more and register early (to save your spot) at tiny.cc/ufsaraext_rainbarrel.

Order and pay for rain barrels online through the same workshop registration page. During the registration process, simply select the number of barrels you’d like to purchase, and the date and location convenient for you to pick up the barrel(s)and equipment. Complete kits cost just $37, plus fees, and include a barrel and basic connection plumbing.

Sarasota County Extension also is offering an online option to purchase starter composting kits, featuring the popular GEOBIN system. Online composting workshops already provide a wealth of information on the need for and benefits of composting, and the basics of setting up and maintain a thriving compost system. Find a convenient workshop at tiny.cc/ufsaraext_blackgold.

For questions or further information, please call 941-861-5000 or email sarasota@ifas.ufl.edu. If you require special accommodations to attend one of our events, please contact us in advance at 941-861-5000 or  sarasota@ifas.ufl.edu.

An Equal Opportunity Institution. UF/IFAS Extension, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Nick T. Place, dean for UF/IFAS Extension. Sarasota County prohibits discrimination in all services, programs or activities. View the complete policy at scgov.net/ADA.