In this photo: Sierra Club rain barrel workshop held in Detroit's Brightmoor neighborhood

An example of one of our newer partnerships that we have formed is with the Sierra Club Great Lakes to install a rain barrel at Rivard Plaza in the early spring. The rain barrel system is an efficient and environmentally focused method for collecting and storing rainwater from the plaza's roof in an effort to help prevent it from reaching our storm drains and burdening our city's combined sewer systems. Water collected from the rain barrel system will then be used to irrigate the flower beds and planters at Rivard Plaza. The current irrigation system at Rivard Plaza is designed to minimize the amount of water needed to maintain the beautiful gardens and planters by measuring the amount of moisture in the soil before the system is activated. We are pleased that this new rain barrel project, combined with our existing conservation efforts will allow us to further reduce our overall water usage.

The program is funded by the Erb Foundation and will also include a community education component in which representatives from the Sierra club will guide residents through a hands-on workshop about conservation benefits, and how to construct and use a rain barrel. The workshop is scheduled for Saturday, April 14th at Rivard Plaza as a kick-off to Earth Day on April 25, 2012. The first twenty Detroit residents to register and attend the workshop will receive a free rain barrel (valued at $120). I n addition, another 50 - 60 rain barrels will be available for purchase at a 50 percent discount to those attending workshop. For more information, or to register, visit the Sierra Club Great Lakes.

This new program, coupled with our other green initiatives - which include the launch of construction on the remaining parcels on the east riverfront - all make for an exciting and "green" year on the riverfront

CLICK icon for more on the Conservancy's green initiatives

 

CLICK to view video of a recent rain barrel workshop